Intradural extra medullary spinal tumours – An urban institute’s experience

Abstract

BackgroundIntradural Extra Medullary tumours consists of 70% of all spine tumours. The present study analyses the clinical presentation, prognostic factors, radiological assessment, treatment, histological examination and their correlation with outcome of these spinal tumors, in an urban setup of India. The study presents our single institution’s surgical experience and clinical outcomes on patients who have undergone surgical excision for intradural spinal tumors. MethodologyThis retrospective and prospective observational study was conducted among 104 patients admitted in an Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai between 2011 and 2022. All patients were clinically evaluated along with preoperative and post operative modified Nurick grading with 6 months of follow up. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. ResultsOur study included 104 patients, mean age was 40.43 years. Of the participants, 64 (61.5%) were men and the remaining 40 were women. The mean duration of presentation was 9.3 months (1±120 months). Motor Weakness was the most common symptom noted in 69 patients. The tumors were commonly seen in thoracic region − 43 cases (41.3%). Schwannoma was the commonest lesion and there was a male preponderance. ConclusionOur study clearly demonstrates that surgical treatment of an IDEM offers very good functional outcomes irrespective of the age of the patient or the neurological status. Hence surgery should be offered to all patients presenting with an IDEM.