Aggressive Vertebral Hemangiomas Causing Compression Fracture with Neurological Deficits: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract Background:In rare instances, aggressive vertebral hemangiomas (VHs) can cause compression fracture, resulting in severe pain and neurological deficits. But the diagnosis and treatment of these aggressive lesions are challenging because of these lesions are rare and atypical. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical management for aggressive VHs with vertebral compression fracture by a modified multimodality surgery.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed 6 cases suffering from aggressive VHs with compression fracture and neurological deficits in our department from July 2011 to April 2016. These patients were treated by the multimodality surgery, includingpreoperative embolization, intraoperative injection of gelfoam mixed with cement, and laminectomy decompression.The follow-up period was at least 3 years. Perioperative parameters, clinical outcomes, and radiographical data were collected and analyzed.Results: The 6 patients involved 1 male and 5 females (mean age, 52.3 years).The levels involved were: in thoracic spine (5 cases) and lumbar spine (1 case).Preoperative CT-guided biopsy was conducted in all patients, with 5 patients had definitive pathologic diagnosis. All patients were treated successfully with the multimodal surgery, with no cement leakage and other severe complications. The mean operation time was 182.2 minutes, and the estimated blood loss was 908.3 ml.At an average follow-up of 49.8 months, clinical outcomes assessed by the visual analogue scale and Frankel grade were significantly improved. The vertebral body height and kyphosis angle of the fractured vertebra were also corrected postoperatively. No affected vertebra re-fracture and adjacent vertebral fracture were developed, and none of the patients experienced recurrence of tumor at final follow-up.Conclusions:In cases of aggressive VHs causing compression fracture with neurological deficits, CT-guided biopsy is indicated for the diagnosis. The multimodality surgery (preoperative embolization, intraoperative injection of gelfoam mixed with bone cement combined laminectomy decompression) is effective and safe, and can be considered as an acceptable surgical choice.