Preliminary establishment of a spinal stability scoring system for multiple myeloma

Abstract Background A spinal stability scoring system for multiple myeloma (MM) was established via evidence-based literature and expert advice, and it was used to evaluate spinal stability in multiple myeloma patients. Methods The Delphi method was used to establish an expert consensus and establish a spinal stability scoring system for multiple myeloma. The clinical data of 72 patients with multiple myeloma with spinal involvement in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Results The grading system included 6 first-level indicators and 29 second-class indicators; the 6 first-level indicators were the following: the position of the spinal lesions, the degree of pain, the number of segments involved in the spinal lesions, the changes in the spinal images, the complications and the neurological function. After weighting the significance of the indicators, the highest total score possible was 24; a score of 0–10 corresponded to stable, 11–17 corresponded to potentially unstable, and 18–24 corresponded to unstable. Conclusion The scoring system, which is based on the disease characteristics, typical symptoms and spinal imaging manifestations in multiple myeloma patients, can be used to guide clinicians in evaluating the spinal stability of MM patients and determining the spinal instability caused by multiple myeloma over time, thereby providing evidence for MM patients to choose protective interventions. Trial registration: As this was a retrospective study, it did not require ethical approval.