Benign spine tumors in adults

Abstract

The experience of treatment of 217 patients with primary benign spine tumor (14 nosologic forms) is presented. The importance of axial computer tomography and MRT for diagnosis is outlined. 201 patients have been operated on. In lesion of cervical spine, as rule, the anterior and posterior approaches are used, very seldom combined ones. In operations on thoracic spine the authors prefer the posterolateral extrapleural approach that allows to perform laminectomy, costotransversectomy (sometimes, bilateral) as well as partial or complete spondylectomy. Besides posterolateral approach anterior extraperitoneal one is used for local lesion of lumbar vertebra body. When tumor is localized in the sacrum the posterior approach is used more often, sometimes in combination with uni- or bilateral anterior extraperitoneal ones. Replacement of vertebra body defect is performed by autografts from the upper flaring portion of the ilium, more seldom - by implants. Posterior spondylodesis is carried out using cortical implants with transosseous fixation by metalic wire. In 7 patients, the recurrence has been revealed within 2 years after operation. In the rest of patients there have been no recurrences. The authors make a conclusion that active surgical tactics for primary benign spine tumors is justified and necessary.