Objectives. Treatment of patients with spinal metastasis and spinal canal compression is complex. We evaluated surgically controlled vertebroplasty and laminectomy for treating patients and compared our results to those from other studies. Methods. From February 2003 to February 2004, five patients with spinal metastasis and spinal canal compression were treated by combined vertebroplasty and decompressive laminectomy in our department. Results. The surgical results were satisfactory. All patients regained neurologic function and axial pain improved. No surgical complications were found. Conclusions. Limited laminectomy combined with surgically controlled vertebroplasty is asafe and effective method for treating patients with spinal metastases and epidural compression. ( Mid Taiwan J Med 2004;9:113-8 )