Validation of Novel Predictive Score for Patients With Spinal Metastases

Recently, the investigators proposed a clinical prediction score that used a patient's
modified Bauer grade, ambulatory status, and pre-operative serum albumin as a means to
predict long-term survival following spine surgery for metastatic disease. This prognostic
utility was developed using one-year mortality as the sole outcome measure. While the scoring
system demonstrated many of the necessary attributes of a useful prediction tool, including
simplicity, ease of use and clinical utility, it has yet to be validated prospectively and
its capacity to predict other peri-operative outcomes, including physical and mental function
following intervention, pain relief and the risk of complications, remain incompletely
explored. To further evaluate the utility of this prognostic score, the investigators propose
a series of three integrated experiments that will prospectively determine its capacity to
accurately inform clinical decision making and recommendations for surgery for patients with
metastatic spinal disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. ≥ 18 years of age

2. Confirmed diagnosis of cancer with metastatic spread to the mobile spine or sacrum

3. Able to consent for themselves at the time of the intake evaluation

4. Speaks English

Exclusion Criteria:

5. Primary bone tumors or leukemia

6. Metastases to other visceral or skeletal locations, without involvement of the spine
or sacrum

7. History of prior spine surgery for metastatic disease