[Treatment of atlantoaxial hemangioma with vertebroplasty through anterior approach].

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

Methods: From 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.

Results: All 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.

Conclusion: Treatment 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.