Objective: To investigate the efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of vertebral hemangioma.
Methods: Seven patients with vertebral hemangiomas were treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty, including one case of cervical, three cases of thoracic, and three cases of lumbar hemangiomas. The average score of the 6-point behavioral pain rating scale was 2.67 +/- 0.41, and the average score of ambulation was 2.83 +/- 0.33. Guilty vertebral bodies were orientated with fluoroscopy. The procedures were performed under local anesthesia. The image features were also analyzed. Unipedicular or bipedicular approaches were used in 6 cases of thoracic and lumbar hemangiomas. The cervical anterior-lateral approach was adopted in one case of cervical hemangioma. 4-7 ml of 15%-20% bone cement was mixed and injected into the vertebral body to form a cast in the lesions. Re-examination of clinical symptoms, plain film, and CT were made for 1, 3, and 9 months of post-procedure follow-up.
Results: Good results were achieved in all the seven cases. Pain was completely relieved in 5 cases and partially relieved in 2 cases. Symptom was also recovered in 2 patients with radiculopathy. No recurrence was found after 1-9 months of postoperative follow-up.
Conclusion: Treatment of vertebral hemangioma with percutaneous vertebroplasty is safe and effective with minimal invasion.