ABSTRACT

Metastatic spread to the spinal column is a growing problem in patients with cancer. It can cause a number of sequelae including pain, ins-tability, and neurological deficit. The role of clini-cal history, physical examination, laboratory stu-dies, and radiographic studies are critical to the success of diagnostic strategies. Needle or open biopsy frequently is needed as a confirmatory study for carcinoma metastases. Today, magne-tic resonans imaging is the most effective means of differentiating bening from malignant causati-on of vertebral collapse, based on the imaging patterns and extent of marrow ablation. We will review current information on the evaluation of metastatic disease of the spine.