Clinical Investigations on Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression Treated by Separation Surgery Versus Separation Surgery Combined with Vertebroplasty Combined with Interstitial Implantation of 125I Seeds

Abstract Objective Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) seriously affects the life span and quality of life of patients. Separation surgery combined with vertebroplasty combined with interstitial implantation of 125 I seeds (SSVPI) is a novel treatment for MESCC patients. To investigate the safety, feasibility and clinical efficacy on metastatic epidural spinal cord compression treated by SSVPI. Method Prospective analysis of 56 patients diagnosed with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) and receiving Separation surgery (SS) or separation surgery combined with vertebroplasty combined with interstitial implantation of 125 I seeds. Fifty-six patients were randomly divided into the SS group (26 patients) and SSVPI group (30 patients), and the differences in intraoperative bleeding, postoperative pain visual analog scale scores (VAS), Karnofsky performance scores (KPS) and American Spinal Injury Association grades were compared. Results There was no significant difference in intraoperative bleeding between the SS group and the SSVPI group ( P > 0.05). There was no significant difference at 1 week after surgery ( P > 0.05); there were significant differences in VAS scores at 2, 6 and 12 months after surgery ( P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the KPS score 1 week after surgery ( P > 0.05); there were statistically significant differences in the KPS scores at 2, 6 and 12 months after surgery ( P < 0.05). In the SS group, there were 20 patients (76.92%) with an improvement in ASIA grades from pre- to postoperation. In the SSVPI group, there were 24 patients (80%) with improved ASIA grades from pre- to postoperation. Conclusion SSVPI is a safe, feasible, less invasive and effective treatment for MESCC patients.