OBJECTIVETo investigate the way of resection of high-sacrum tumors and the way and duration of the spinal-pelvic TSRH or ISOLA internal fixation.

METHODFrom October 1998 through April 2002, 35 patients with sacral tumor were enrolled in our hospital, including 4 cases in L(5)-S(1), 2 in L(5)-S(2), 4 in S(1), 8 in S(1 - 2), 6 in S(1 - 3), 6 in S(1 - 4), 5 in S(1 - 5). 35 patients were followed by lumbo-pelvic TSRH or ISOLA internal fixation and corresponding chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

RESULTSIn the follow-up period of 6 - 42 months, the short-term results were satisfactory with the lumbosacral pain reduced and the neurological function improved in different degrees, however dysuria occurred in 1 case and skin necrobiosis at coccygeal incision occurred in 1 case; two cases experienced cerebrospinal fluid leakage and 1 case experienced postoperative infection and delayed healing, 1 case with chordoma and 2 cases with malignant fibrous histiocytoma recurred 1 year after postoperation, one of these 2 cases with malignant fibrous histiocytoma suffered from lung metastasis and died of system failure 19 months after postoperation. No fractured rod occurred.

CONCLUSIONSurgical procedure and postoperative comprehensive treatment have important effects on the prognosis. High-sacral tumor resection and reconstruction are effective means of achieving stabilization, providing significant pain relief and preserving ambulatory capacity.