Functional outcome and survival in spinal cord injury secondary to neoplasia

Abstract

A 12‐year retrospective view of patients admitted to the rehabilitation unit for care of spinal cord injury (SCI) secondary to neoplasia was conducted. Twenty‐seven such patients were identified. One year survival was 58%, and independent functioning achieved in the rehabilitation unit was well‐maintained in the survivors. Survival and functional outcome tended to be best in those with less severe neurologic injuries. The study indicated a better 1‐year survival in such injuries than has previously been described. Patients with complete SCI had a relatively poor prognosis, especially for independent function. As control of metastatic cancer improves, patients with spinal cord injury caused by neoplasia will probably become a significant part of the SCI population. Copyright © 1985 American Cancer Society