Association between Tumor Occupancy Ratio and Early Post-operative Motor Outcome in Treatment of Patients with Intradural Extramedullary Spinal Cord Tumor

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Intradural extramedullary (IDEM) spinal tumors are typically benign lesions that are well visualized on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Previous studies suggest that greater spinal canal occupancy by the tumor is associated with poorer neurological outcomes; however, radiological predictors of postoperative neurological recovery remain inadequately explored. This study aimed to evaluate the association between tumor occupancy ratio and early postoperative motor outcome in patients with IDEM spinal tumors. Methods & Materials; This interventional study included 56 patients with cervical, thoracic, and lumbar IDEM tumors who underwent surgical treatment. Tumor occupancy ratio was calculated from MRI, and motor function was assessed preoperatively and, on the 14th, postoperative day using the MRC grading scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS to evaluate the association between tumor occupancy ratio and early postoperative motor outcome. Results: The majority of patients were aged 41–50 years (21.4%), with a mean age of 44.17 years. Schwannomas were the most common tumor type, predominantly located in the cervical and dorsal regions, followed by meningiomas, which were mainly dorsal. Most tumors were situated anterolaterally (82.1%). Postoperative assessment demonstrated significant improvement in muscle strength across all limbs. Although most patients achieved good early motor outcomes, no statistically significant association was found between tumor occupancy ratio and postoperative motor function. Conclusion: surgical resection of IDEM tumors leads to substantial improvement in early postoperative motor strength. While tumor occupancy ratio showed an observable relationship with outcome, it did not reach statistical significance. Tumor location remains an important factor in understanding disease behavior and prognosis in IDEM spinal tumors.