Metastatic spine tumor description – Harrington classification

Classification

Class I: No significant neurologic involvement

Class II: Involvement of bone without collapse or instability

Class III: Major neurologic impairment (sensory or motor) without significant involvement of bone

Class IV: Vertebral collapse with pain due to mechanical causes or instability but without significant neurologic compromise

Class V: Vertebral collapse with pain due to mechanical causes or instability combined with major neurologic impairment

Explanation

Provide an explanation for key principles and pertinent aspects of the classification

Figures

Insert figures illustrating the classification

Reference(s)

van der Linden YM, Dijkstra SPDS, Vonk EJA, Marijnen CAM, Leer JWH, Dutch Bone Metastasis Study Group. Prediction of survival in patients with metastases in the spinal column: results based on a randomized trial of radiotherapy. Cancer. 2005 Jan. 15;103(2):320-328.