Vertebral haemangiomas with spinal cord compression: The place of preoperative percutaneous vertebroplasty with methyl methacrylate

We report one cervical and two thoracic vertebral haemangiomas with neurological disturbance successfully treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty followed by decompression surgery. Vertebroplasty consolidates the vertebral body and reduces the risk of haemorrhage. Subsequent surgery may be limited to decompressive laminectomy and resection of the epidural extension of the haemangioma. Embolisation was also carried out in one case. Complete neuroimaging workup, including CT, myelo-CT and MRI, is necessary prior to treatment.