Objective: To evaluate the use of "self-locking" artificial vertebral prosthesis in surgical treatment for spinal tumor.
Methods: From 1992 to 1996, 14 cases with spinal tumor and paraplegia were treated with "self locking" artificial vertebral prosthesis designed by one of the authors (Ye Qibin) in our department. There were malignant giant cell tumor 2 cases; myeloma 4 cases; metastatic tumor 4 cases and one each with chondrosarcoma, malignant fibrous histocytoma, fibrosarcoma, hemangioma. After radical resection of the tumor and thorough decompression, the vertebral prosthesis was applied to reconstruct the spinal stability. Adjunctive chemotherapy or/and radiotherapy was given postoperatively.
Results: At the average follow-up period of 20.6 months 10 cases are still alive, 5 of them had survived for more than 2 years. 4 cases died with the average survival period of 19.8 months after operation. Almost all the patients obtained the improvement of the quality of the life with relative pain-free and intact neurologic function after operation.
Conclusion: With "self-locking" artificial vertebral prosthesis after thorough anterior resection of spinal tumor, it is possible to provide solid internal fixation to reconstruct the spinal stability.