Modifed Bauer score

Metastatic spine tumor prognosis

Scoring system

Score 1 point for each of the following positive prognostic factors:
  • No visceral metastases
  • No lung cancer
  • Primary tumor = breast, kidney, lymphoma, multiple myeloma
  • One solitary skeletal metastasis

    • Suggestions for treatment

  • Score 0-1: Supportive care, no surgery
  • Score 2: Short term palliation, dorsal surgery
  • Score 3-4: Middle term local control, ventral-dorsal surgery

    • Note

    The data of this study by Leithner et al emphasize that the original Bauer score and a modified Bauer score (displayed here) without scoring for pathologic fracture seem to be practicable and highly predictive preoperative scoring systems for patients with spinal metastases. However, decision for or against surgery should never be based alone on a prognostic score but should take symptoms like pain or neurological compromise into account.

    Reference

    Leithner A, Radl R, Gruber G, Hochegger M, Leithner K, Welkerling H, et al. Predictive value of seven preoperative prognostic scoring systems for spinal metastases. Eur Spine J. 2008 Nov. 1;17(11):1488-1495.