Vertebral metastases

Abstract

The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British volumeVol. 87-B, No. 2 Book ReviewsFree AccessVertebral metastases Edited by V. Pointillart, A. Ravaud and J. Palussiere. Pp 320. UK: Springer-Verlag, 2002. ISBN: 2-28759-752-2. £104.M. GrevittM. GrevittSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:1 Feb 2005https://doi.org/10.1302/0301-620X.87B2.0870279aAboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsAdd to Favourites ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail This is a comprehensive text that highlights the value of a multi-disciplinary approach for the treatment of vertebral metastases. Despite its small size (320 pages) it contains a wealth of information. The early chapters outline the pathophysiology and characteristics of spinal osseous invasion. The presenting symptoms and clinical features are well covered, together with the modern diagnostic methods of identifying and staging disease.The treatment of spinal metastases arising from specific primary tumours is then detailed in individual short chapters. Almost half of the rest of the book is given over to technical details of treatment. The authors describe the full gamut of surgical approaches and techniques that have evolved during the last 15 years. Conventional open and thoracoscopic techniques are summarised, together with succinct accounts of the nursing, anaesthetic and rehabilitation needs of these patients. Recent developments such as vertebroplasty and bisphosphonate therapy are also included.In reading this book, one is impressed by the writers’ evident humane and holistic attitude to management of these patients. The very parochial list of contributors from Bordeaux has not restricted the appeal of this book: rather the reverse, as there is a uniformity of philosophy borne of close clinical collaboration. Refinement of indications for surgery, its appropriate timing and that of adjuvant treatment have all been better defined and comprehensively reviewed in this book. By contrast to the nihilism associated with the earlier results of decompressive laminectomies, this multidisciplinary approach has yielded vastly better outcomes, which are outlined in the last chapters. The evidence upon which to base this renewed optimism is explored in a useful critical bibliography.This is not a ‘how-to-do-it’ book. It is a valuable reference source that should act as a primer for all involved in treatment of spinal metastatic disease. It is also a useful update for experienced clinicians in this field who wish to familiarise themselves with other aspects of care.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Vol. 87-B, No. 2 Metrics Downloaded 98 times History Published online 1 February 2005 Published in print 1 February 2005 InformationCopyright © 2005, The British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint Surgery: All rights reservedPDF download