Topics:
Radiation Oncology • Neuro-Oncology
Do you routinely recommend patients with spine metastases wear neck collars or back braces?
If a patient has simple bony metastases and no neurologic compromise what are your criteria for recommending that a patient wear a collar for c-spine mets or a brace for thoracic mets? Would presence or absence of pathologic fractures influence your decision?
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
The neurosurgeons here do not believe that collar and brace for metastasis should be applied routinely, even inpatients with pathological fractures. The issue with these collars and braces is that it makes the musculature weak and often times they develop worsening pain and instability because of i...
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Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
If the spine is unstable, suitable patient will need have surgery for stabilization. In other words, if the SINS is 13 or above, a surgical consultation is highly recommended. In my experience, collar or corsets are not of much help.