Objective To explore the application of magnetic resonance angiography and virtual reality technique in pre-operative planning for sphenoid ridge meningioma. Methods Ten patients with sphenoid ridge meningiomas were examined by brain CT, MRI and MRA before operation. Then the image data were transferred to the Dextroscope system. The images were reconstructed using the Radiodexter software to display the three dimensional image. The tumor and its adjacent anatomic structures could be viewed and the system tools allowed for simulation of the operation, so the full information of the tumor, basilar texture, and nerves and vessels could be obtained. A pre-operative planning was done and was compared with intra-operation situation. Results The virtual reality images of the 10 cases were successfully conducted, and all the procedures were performed according to the pre-operative planning, with a consistent rate of 100%. Radical resection was achieved in all the 10 patients and there were no sequelea. Conclusion Magnetic resonance angiography and the virtual reality system can provide the information of tumor and its adjacent structures, so it can help the neurosurgeons in planning the details for operation, contributing to operation safety and tumor resection.