Background: Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive method based on the percutaneous injection of polymethylmetacrylate cement into the affected vertebral body. It is used to relieve the pain and improve mechanical functions of the spine. Authors present their experience with clinically or graphically aggressive vertebral body hemangiomas treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty. Materials and methods: From September 2003 to April 2005, 4 procedures in 4 patients (2 female, 2 males, age range 30-51 years) were performed in authors' department. During each procedure, one vertebral body at levels T5, T12, T12 and L4 was filled with polymethylmethacrylate. All procedures were performed under fluoroscopy using transpedicular technique. In 3 patients, the bone cement powder had to be inserted bipedicularly, in one patient monopedicular access was sufficient. In one patient laminectomy, surgical removal of epidural tumor portion and radiotherapy followed our procedure. In 3 patients, angiography was performed before vertebroplasty, with following tumor embolization in one case. Results: All procedures were technically successful and all patients became better clinically till 72 hours after the procedure. There were no symptomatic complications. In one case PMMA cement leaked to spinal canal and in one case to paravertebral soft tissues were noted. All these complications were without clinical manifestation. Conclusion: According to authors' experience, percutaneous vertebroplasty seems to be effective in treatment of aggressive vertebral body hemangiomas. Compared to intraarterial embolisation, ethanol ablation or radiotherapy, vertebroplasty (and surgical therapy) are the only methods providing also stabilisation of the damaged vertebra. Compared to surgical therapy, vertebroplasty is less invasive for the patient.

        Key words: percutaneous vertebroplasty - vertebral hemangioma - polymethylmetac-rylate bone cement - compressive vertebral body fracture