Epidemiology of Vertebral Tumors in Mexico: A Five-Year Review from a Tertiary Referral Center

Study Design: Observational, descriptive and retrospective study. Objectives This article’s objective is to analyze the epidemiological characteristics, anatomical distribution, and functional status of persons with vertebral tumors treated at a tertiary care center in an emerging country between 2019 and 2023. Settings: January 1 2019 to December 31 2023 (5 years), at the Department of Peripheric Nerve, Traumatology and Orthopedic Hospital “ Dr. Victorio de la Fuente Narváez”, Mexico City, Mexico. Methods It was conducted an observational descriptive and retrospective study analyzing 358 persons with confirmed vertebral tumors or vertebral destruction syndrome. All cases were evaluated using the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) at admission. Histopathological diagnosis, anatomical location, healthcare level at diagnosis, and AIS were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results Of the 358 cases analyzed, 87.98% were malignant lesions, with metastatic tumors—especially from breast, prostate, and kidney—being the most common. The thoracic spine was the most frequently affected region (47.2%). AIS D (moderate motor deficit) was the most prevalent classification (46.6%). Emergency department diagnoses increased over the study period, from 24.39% in 2019 to 56.98% in 2023, while referrals from primary and secondary care declined. Malignant tumors predominated in persons aged 41–80, while benign tumors were more frequent in younger persons. Conclusions Most vertebral tumors were diagnosed at advanced stages and in emergency settings, suggesting a need to improve early detection and referral systems. Enhanced training and integration across healthcare levels are essential to optimize outcomes in individuals with vertebral tumors in resource-limited settings. Sponsorship : No funding sources influenced the design, execution, or interpretation of the research presented in this article.