Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression.

Orthopedics. 2009 Jun;32(6):431.
Mavrogenis AF, Pneumaticos S, Sapkas GS, Papagelopoulos PJ.

---

Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression is an emergency complication of systemic cancer. Early diagnosis and appropriate management will prevent paraplegia in most patients. Corticosteroids and radiation as adjuvant or primary therapy is a treatment option for the majority of patients. Circumferential direct decompressive surgery should be considered for selected patients. The role of high-precision radiation therapy techniques is promising for local tumor control and helps the patient avoid surgery. Survival and quality of life are directly related to the patients’ pretreatment ambulatory status. Treatment results are better in ambulatory patients with preserved bladder and bowel control.