Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Percutaneous Endoscopic Unilateral-Approach Bilateral Decompression for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Published on: February 9, 2024
Minimally invasive decompression and stabilisation for extensive haemangiomas of lumbar spine
K K Gnanalingham1, M B Afridi, A Abou-Zeid
1Department of Neurosurgery, Greater Manchester Neurosciences Centre, Salford Royal Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK. kanna.gnanalingham@srft.nhs.uk
Introduction:
Vertebral haemangiomas are a common incidental finding and are largely asymptomatic. Extensive haemangiomas of the spine causing neurological deficits are exceedingly rare. Traditional open surgical approaches in these cases can be complicated by life-threatening blood loss.
Patient Case History:
We describe 2 patients (ages 27 and 53 years) who presented with severe back pain and lower limb weakness. Radiological investigations revealed very extensive lesions of the L1 and L4 vertebral bodies, respectively, with severe narrowing of the lumbar canal. After selective embolisation of the spinal arterial feeders, both patients underwent a posterior decompression, vertebroplasty, and bilateral pedicle screw fixation in a minimally invasive fashion. Blood loss was minimal and a rapid clinical recovery was seen.
Conclusions:
Combinations of embolisation, vertebroplasty and minimally invasive posterolateral instrumentation are treatment strategies that can be used to treat extensive vertebral haemangiomas presenting with neurological deficits.
