Tomita et al developed a classification system for tumors involving the spinal vertebra. This was used to help plan surgical resection of the tumor. The authors are from Kanazawa University in Japan.
Anatomic divisions of the vertebra used for the classification:
(1) vertebral body
(2) pedicle
(3) lamina and spinous process
(4) epidural space
(5) paraspinal area
Compartmental divisions:
(A) intra-compartmental lesion
(B) extra-compartmental lesions
(M) multiple skip lesions
Compartment
Anatomic Divisions Involved
Description
Type
intra (A)
1 or 2 or 3
1
intra (A)
1 + 2, or 2 + 3
extension into pedicle
2
intra (A)
1 + 2 + 3
3
extra (B)
(any site) + 4
epidural extension
4
extra (B)
(any site) + 5
paravertebral extension
5
extra (B)
direct extension into adjacent vertebra
6
multiple, skip (M)
multiple vertebra, some nonadjacent
7
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