[Surgical stabilisation of metastatic fractures of the spine]

The authors have operated on 15 patients to stabilise metastatic fractures of the spine, either by an anterior approach with replacement of the vertebral body by methyl methacrylate, or by a posterior approach combining laminectomy with spine fixation. The posterior approach was considered to be better in cases of neurological impairment or in lesions of the lower lumbar spine. At cervical, thoracic and thoraco-lumbar levels, the anterior approach was preferred and gave rapid functional improvement. The use of cement allowed early walking without extensive bracing and improved the comfort of the patient. Neurological involvement was a good indication for surgery. In cases without cord lesions, the indications for treatment are related to the comfort of the patient.