[A scoring system for preoperative evaluation of the prognosis of metastatic spine tumor (a preliminary report)].

A trial of assessment system for the prognosis of metastatic spine tumor was evaluated in 47 cases who underwent surgery. Six parameters were postulated in the evaluation system; 1) general condition, 2) number of extraspinal bone metastasis, 3) number of metastasis in the vertebral body, 4) metastasis to the major internal organs (lung, liver, kidney and brain), 5) primary site of cancer, and 6) severity of spinal cord palsy. Each parameter ranged from 0 to 2 points. Total scores obtained in each patient can correlate with prognosis and are valuable to predict prognosis, however, the prognosis could not predicted from a single parameter. In conclusion, excisional operation should be performed in those cases scored above 11 points, and palliative operation will be indicated for those under 5 points. However, this assessment system will further remain useful with some items modified.