Anatomic classification system for surgical management of paraspinal tumors.

Hypothesis: An anatomic classification system for paraspinal tumors that identifies complexity of regional anatomy, morbidity in complete or partial resection of anatomic structures, and potential complications may assist surgeons in preoperative planning.

Design: Application of a 6-level anatomic classification system for paraspinal tumors by retrospective medical record analysis. The classification system is defined by the following divisions of the vertebral column: I (C3-T3), II (T3-T10), III (T10-L2), IV (L1-L5, anterior to spine), V (L2-L5, lateral to spine), and VI (S1-S5).