1. One hundred and sixty cases of incomplete or complete paraplegia due to extradural malignant tumour have been reviewed. Between 1959 and 1969 laminectomy for decompression of the cord was performed in 154 of these cases as an urgent measure and the results in 129 cases with full records have been assessed.

2. Immediate laminectomy, a palliative procedure, gave worthwhile improvement in 35 percent of cases of incomplete paraplegia; such patients could walk and had satisfactory control of bladder function at least six months after operation.

3. There were no satisfactory results when the paraplegia was complete.

4. The relief of pain following decompression may be gratifying, even if the patient does not improve sufficiently to fulfil the criteria of a satisfactory result.

5. The results emphasise the importance of early diagnosis, myelography and decompression if a patient with incomplete paralysis is to be offered any chance of relief.