OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of vertebral hemangioma.

METHODSSeven 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.

RESULTSGood 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.

CONCLUSIONTreatment of vertebral hemangioma with percutaneous vertebroplasty is safe and effective with minimal invasion.