Frequency of Functional Outcome Among Patients with Spinal Tumor Visiting Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objective:  To determine the frequency of functional outcomes among patients with spinal tumors.

Materials and Methods:  This study was conducted at the neurological surgery department, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro and it was a descriptive study. A total of 145 patients presenting with spinal cord tumors were admitted through the outpatient department (OPD) and subsequently underwent surgical procedures. The diagnosis was primarily based on MRI findings, and the Frankel scale was used to assess neurological progress.

Results:  The current study included 145 patients in total, with 65.5% of them being male. The majority (75.2%) were older than 60, whereas the mean age was 65.65±6.43 years. In contrast to the 15.9% of tumors in the cervical spine, 73.8% in the thoracic spine, and 10.3% in the lumbar spine, there were 13.8% intramedullary and 86.2% extramedullary tumors. Eight percent of patients required dorsal stabilization, 9.7% had surgical issues, 11.7% had medical difficulties, 66.2% required perioperative corticosteroid administration, and 11% required neuromonitoring. Upon admission, 11.7% had radiating pain, 34.5% had back discomfort, 82.1% had sensory deficiency, and 71% had bowel/bladder dysfunction. The mean McCormick score was 3.17±0.67 and 2.56±0.92 on admission and discharge, respectively whereas the mean KPS was 49.42±11.78 and 49.42±11.78 receptively.  There were 40% of patients with unfavorable and 60% with favorable outcomes.

Conclusion:  Early diagnosis with minimal symptoms leads to better outcomes, whereas delayed presentation and significant neurological deficits are associated with poorer prognosis.