Percutaneous vertebroplasty for cervical symptomatic hemangiomas and spinal metastases: a case series and literature review

OBJECTIVES:Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is a commonly used technique for the treatment of spinal diseases, but it's rarely employed for cervical lesions. This study presents a case series and a literature review to evaluate the efficacy of cervical PVP. METHODS:From August 2013 to January 2023, 14 patients underwent cervical PVP in the author's institution. The mean postoperative follow-up time was 20.3 ± 12.1 months (ranging from 5 to 41 months). The pain status and quality of life were assessed preoperatively, postoperatively, and during follow-up using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Additionally, complications that occurred during the study period were documented. RESULTS:The series of cases included nine cases of hemangiomas and five cases of spinal metastases. The common symptom was axial pain in the neck. All patients were successfully treated with PVP. VAS scores decreased from 6.6 ± 0.8 preoperatively to 1.9 ± 0.8 at 24 hours postoperatively and to 2.4 ± 1.2 at the last follow-up (P < 0.01). NDI decreased from 22.3% ± 8.9% preoperatively to 7.6% ± 8.1% at 24 hours postoperatively and to 6.0% ± 7.2% at 12-month follow-up (P < 0.01). After the operation, a case of dysphagia occurred, but no major complications were observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS:Cervical PVP via the anterolateral approach is a safe option for the treatment of cervical symptomatic hemangiomas and spinal metastases with limited invasiveness. It is effective in relieving pain and improving quality of life.