OBJECTIVETo investigate the diagnostic and therapeutic experience for the atlantoaxial hemangioma with vertebral plasty through anterior approach.

METHODSFrom January 2005 to April 2012,6 cases were initially diagnosed as atlantoaxial hemangioma under MRI,and treated with vertebroplasty through anterior approach. There were 2 males and 4 females ranging in age from 35 to 67 years old with an average of 49 years old. Six patients were followed up by out-patient clinic or telephone after operation for 6 months,and WHO standard clinical effects were used to assesse pain degree.

RESULTSAll the hemangioma were confirmed by puncture. The mean operative time and injection amount of bone cement were 58 min and 2.6 ml,repectively. Postoperative X-ray or CT scan showed that the bone cement filled focus satisfactorily. All patients were followed up from 6 to 48 months with average of 28 months. According to the pain degree of WHO standard, 2 cases got partly relief and 4 got completely relief and up to final follow-up,the results were still stable.

CONCLUSIONTreatment of atlantoaxial hemangioma with vertebroplasty through anterior approach is a safe and effective method. And correct puncture, adequate injection time and volume of bone cement are keys to successful.