English

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Spinal tumors account for only approximately 5-15% of the nervous system neoplasms. Technical advances in imaging and surgical procedures have brought about significant better clinical results in the last 2 decades. We also evaluated surgical and functional outcomes in patients having cervical intradural tumors including tumors at foramen magnum. METHODS: All patients who underwent surgical treatment for cervical intradural tumors from foramen magnum to C7, were evaluated preoperatively and six months after surgery by Nuricks scale (1972) and the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale (mJOA) (1991). RESULTS: A total 49 patients were studied, out of which 20 patients are with intra dural extra medullary & intra medullary tumors- from foramen magnum to C2, were treated surgically by far lateral approach and posterior approach by cervical laminectomy & excision. 29 patients with intra dural extra medullary& intra medullary tumors - from C3 to C7, were treated by posterior approach by cervical laminectomy & excision. The mean age of patients was 42.6±8.42 yrs (range 15-75 yrs) and male: female ratio was -26 (54%): 23 (46%). Total excision was achieved in 43 patients and subtotal excision in 6 cases. There were 2 post-operative deaths due to respiratory failure and these patients were having intra medullary tumors. Functional analysis was done for remaining 47 patients. The post-operative Nuricks scale scores were significantly decreased from 5.22±0.18 to 2.14±0.20 (p< 0.0001). The pre and postoperative mJOA scores were increased from 10.33±1.21 to 14.13±1.42 respectively P< 0.0001. CONCLUSION: Surgery for intradural tumors with goal of complete tumor removal is a safe and effective option. At the 8 month mean follow-up, majority of patients had complete or near complete relief of symptoms and return to full activity. IDEM patients showed statistically significant improvement on than intra medullary tumor patients on Nuricks and mJOA