[Preoperative embolization in spinal pathology. Apropos of 21 cases]

Problems encountered during pre-operative embolization in 21 patients with spinal affections could be differentiated as a function of the 3 main regions affected: cervical, dorsolumbar, and lumbosacral. The distinction between the totally different problems raised was based on histologic and angiographic studies of the vascularization of the spinal cord and vertebral column. Whenever possible, and particularly when it can be complete, embolization markedly facilitates the surgical procedure.