Study design: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 448 patients with a variety of spinal metastases. To compare the predictive value of the Tokuhashi scoring system (T12) and its revised edition (T15) for life expectancy both in the entire study group as well as in the various primary tumor subgroups. In 1990 Tokuhashi and coworkers formulated a one point-addition-type prognostic scoring system with a total sum of 12 points for preoperative prediction of life expectancy as an adjunct in selecting appropriate treatment. Because the site of the primary tumor influences ultimate survival, the scoring system was revised in 2005 to a total sum of 15 points based on the origin of the primary tumor.Objective
Summary of background data
