Multiple myeloma presenting with acute bony spinal cord compression and mechanical instability successfully managed nonoperatively

Background ContextMultiple myeloma (MM) with spinal involvement may present with spinal cord or cauda equina compression, with or without neurological impairment. This occurs when a soft-tissue myelomatous mass extends into the epidural space (Barron et al., 1959 [1]). The mainstay of management for such lesions in patients with normal neurology is chemotherapy and radiotherapy or radiotherapy alone, but those with neurological compromise require surgical decompression with adjuvant therapy (Patchell et al., 2005 [2]). Infrequently, patients with MM present with spinal cord compression and neurological impairment due to bony encroachment from vertebral translation and kyphosis where significant lytic bone disease has rendered the spine mechanically unstable. The standard management for these patients is surgical decompression and internal fixation.PurposeThis study aimed to report a high-risk myeloma patient with a mechanically unstable spine, acute spinal cord compression, and neurologic deficit that was treated successfully using nonoperative means.Study DesignCase report.MethodsA 37-year-old male patient with MM was referred to our tertiary referral spinal unit with acute bony spinal cord compression and neurological impairment. Computer tomography revealed lytic lesions of T2 and T3 and anterolisthesis of T1 on T2 producing mechanical instability and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed extension of disease into the epidural space and cord compression. This was successfully managed with nonoperative treatment using a brace.ResultsManagement in a brace restored clinical and radiological stability and normal neurological function.ConclusionCertain high-risk myeloma patients with a mechanically unstable spine, acute spinal cord compression and neurologic deficit can be treated effectively in an appropriate brace when managed by a tertiary referral spinal unit.