[Orthopedic aspects of vertebral metastases]

The palliative operative treatment for untractable backache due to spinal instability with/without (impendig) neurological deficit in patients with metastatic spine tumor is effective. The aim of treatment consists in improving the quality of live. An operative treatment is justified even in an advanced stage of the disease. The standard operative procedure consists in a posterior stabilisation combined with a decompression and debulking of the tumor.