The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society
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Studies regarding treatment of spinal metastases are critical to evidence-based decision-making. However, variation exists in how a key outcome, ambulatory function, is assessed. ⋯ Wide variation exists in how ambulatory function is defined in studies involving patients with spinal metastases. We suggest several improvements that will allow a more robust assessment of the quality and quantity of ambulatory function among patients treated for spinal metastases.