Long term follow-up study of symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty

Objective: To investigate the long term clinical results of symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas (SVHs)treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 17 cases with 19 symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas associated with chronic pain (all cases)or neurological deficit (4 cases)or spinal cord compression(2 cases), were treated and followed up from 6 to 32 monthes, mean 15.8 ± 8.7 months. There were 6 compressive fractures in the vertebral body with hemangioma before PVP, others were normal in morphology. All procedures were under DSA guidance. Results: All procedures were technically successful in all cases with all vertebral bodies filled of PMMA through injection with amount from 1 ml to 6 ml per vertebral body. The outcomes showed 5 paravertebral leakages, 2 epidural leakages and 1 intradisc leakage during the procedure; but with no remarkable clinical symptoms. Pain relief was sustained in all patients at the follow-up. 2 patients with neurological deficit or spinal cord compression were cured. 2 patients had severe pain due to facture near the vertebral body because of osteoporosis after 6 months, which were performed with PVP. Conclusions: Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a minimal invasive procedure providing an effective and safe technique in the treatment of symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas. (authors)