THE MANAGEMENT OF TUMOURS AT THE LUMBOSACRAL JUNCTION – OUR FAILURES AND COMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Purpose: We report our surgical management of a series of primary and metastatic tumours of the lumbosacral junction, highlighting different methods of fixation, outcome and complications.

Method: Seven patients with primary and four with secondary tumours involving the lumbosacral junction underwent surgery. After tumour resection, iliolumbar fixation was performed in all but one case, using Galveston rods (4) or iliac screws (6). All constructs were attached proximally with pedicle screws. Cross links were used in all instrumented cases and autologous and allogenic bone graft applied.

Results: There were no perioperative deaths. Mean operating time was 7.3 hours (range 3–18) and there was extensive blood loss (mean transfusion requirement 7.5 units, range 0–20). We estimate a transfusion requirement of approximately one unit per hour operating time. However, we noted no complications attributable to either blood loss or transfusions.

Ambulation improved in 5, was unchanged in 5 and deteriorated in one. Neurological status deteriorated in 4 and remained static in the others. However in all but one case the neurological deficit was defined by the nature of proposed surgery. Mean survival from surgery for patients with metastatic disease was 9.5 months (3–18). At mean follow up of 10 months (1–19 months), all patients with primary tumours were still alive without evidence tumour recurrence.

Extralesional excision, and therefore potentially curative surgery, was achieved in 4 cases where this was the primary goal of surgery (osteosarcoma, osteoblastoma, chordoma, embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma). There were no cases of metalwork failure. One patient has undergone revision surgery for pseudathrosis.

Conclusion: Sacral resection and iliolumbar reconstruction is a feasible treatment option in selected patients, offering potential cure. The fixation methods used by the authors restored lumbosacral stability, sufficient for pain relief and preserving ambulation and usually the predicted level of neurological function.