The role of metal and bone cement fixation in the management of malignant lesions of the vertebral column.

Fifteen patients with malignant spinal metastases underwent fixation of the spine using metallic implants and bone cement. The operation provided considerable relief of pain in all 15 cases and a significant improvement in mobility in 12 cases. These results compared favourably with 77 patients with fatal metastatic cancer of the spine who were treated without spinal surgery. The technique seems to be best indicated for use in patients with breast and thyroid cancer with a relatively prolonged terminal course.