Surgical Treatment of Foramen Magnum & High Cervical Spinal Cord Tumor

Yoon, Do Heum; OH, Sung Han; Cho, Young Eun; Jin, Byung Ho; Jin, Dong Kyu; Kim, Young Soo

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The authors reviewed 51 patients of spinal cord tumor located at the craniovertebral junction and high cervical area to determine which factors influenced resectability, complications, and postoperative outcomes.
METHODS
Radiological examinations, clinical data, and operation notes were evaluated, and additional follow-up information was obtained from outpatient examinations. The mean follow-up period was 3.5 years
RESULTS
The most common neurological findings were motor deficit(72.5%) and sensory change(47.1%). There was no clinical finding that is considered as pathognomic. Meningioma(18 cases, 35.3%) was the most common tumor in this region. Total removal was achieved in 45 patients. There was no surgical mortality. Immediate postoperative motor weakness were encounted in 11 cases(21.6%) which improved in long term follow-up except two patients.
Conclusions
The location and relationship of the tumor to surrounding struncture determine its resectability. Postoperative results were related to the preoperative neurological status and pathological findings.