Thoracolumbar vertebral reconstruction after surgery for metastatic spinal tumors: long-term outcomes.

Object: Metastatic spinal tumors continue to represent a major problem for patients and treating physicians. The purpose of this study was to assess quantitatively the functional outcome, quality of life, and survival rates of patients after major reconstructive spine surgery.

Methods: A prospective database was established and 58 patients were identified who had undergone thoracolumbar vertebral reconstruction for metastatic spinal tumors between March 1993 and October 1999.