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Methods to Quantify Pharmacologically Induced Alterations in Motor Function in Human Incomplete SCI
Published on: April 18, 2011
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Expected motor function change following decompressive surgery for spinal metastatic disease.
Bernard K Okai1,2, Lindsay J Lipinski1,2, Moleca M Ghannam1,2
1Department of Neuro-Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton St, Buffalo, NY, 14263, United States.
North American Spine Society Journal
|July 17, 2023
Summary
Spinal surgery for spinal metastatic disease (SMD) generally leads to modest motor function improvements, typically less than one point on a 0-5 scale. This data helps surgeons manage patient expectations and surgical decisions.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Motor function is crucial for patients with spinal metastatic disease (SMD), impacting treatment and survival.
- Spine surgeons need data to advise on motor function outcomes and surgical candidacy for SMD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide spine surgeons with critical information on anticipated motor function changes in patients with SMD.
- To analyze motor function changes following spinal surgery in patients with SMD.
Main Methods:
- Prospective enrollment of 171 consecutive patients undergoing spinal surgery for SMD.
- Assessment of motor function using the 0-5 muscle strength grading scale before and after surgery.
- Analysis of the difference in presurgical and postsurgical proximal and distal motor function.
Main Results:
- A total of 171 patients were analyzed, with common primary malignancies including lung, kidney, breast, and prostate cancer.
- Average motor function improved post-surgery, with a 0.38 difference for proximal and 0.32 for distal strength (p<.0001).
- Patients with baseline motor function scores of 2, 3, or 4 showed improvement in 70-89% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Most patients with SMD experience modest motor function improvement after surgery, usually less than one grade point.
- This information is vital for surgeons evaluating SMD patients with preoperative motor deficits.
- Findings assist surgeons in setting realistic expectations and determining the necessity of spinal decompression.
