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Outcome of ventral fusion of two or three cervical vertebrae with a locking compression plate for the treatment of cervical stenotic myelopathy in eight horses


Kühnle, Christoph; Fürst, Anton E; Ranninger, Elisabeth; Suárez Sánchez-Andrade, José; Kümmerle, Jan M (2018). Outcome of ventral fusion of two or three cervical vertebrae with a locking compression plate for the treatment of cervical stenotic myelopathy in eight horses. Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 31(5):356-363.

Abstract

Objectives: It was recently shown that biomechanical stability achieved with a locking compression plate (LCP) for ventral cervical fusion in horses is similar to the commonly used Kerf cut cylinder. The advantages of the LCP system render it an interesting implant for this indication. The goal of this report was to describe surgical technique, complications and outcome of horses that underwent ventral fusion of two or three cervical vertebrae with an LCP.
Methods: Medical records of eight horses were reviewed for patient data, history, preoperative grade of ataxia, diagnostic imaging, surgical technique and complications. Follow-up information was obtained including clinical re-examination and radiographs whenever possible.
Results: Two (n = 5) or 3 (n = 3) cervical vertebrae were fused in a mixed population with a median age of 9 months, median weight of 330 kg and median grade of ataxia of 3/5. A narrow 4.5/5.0 LCP (n = 6), a broad 4.5/5.0 LCP (n = 1) and a human femur 4.5/5.0 LCP (n = 1) were applied. Two horses were re-operated due to implant loosening. Six patients developed a seroma. Long-term complications included ventral screw migration in four, spinal cord injury in one and plate breakage in two horses at 720 to 1116 days after surgery. Outcome was excellent in three, good in four, poor in one patient.
Clinical Significance: The use of an LCP for ventral cervical vertebral fusion is associated with good clinical results. However, a careful surgical technique is required to further reduce the complication rate.

Abstract

Objectives: It was recently shown that biomechanical stability achieved with a locking compression plate (LCP) for ventral cervical fusion in horses is similar to the commonly used Kerf cut cylinder. The advantages of the LCP system render it an interesting implant for this indication. The goal of this report was to describe surgical technique, complications and outcome of horses that underwent ventral fusion of two or three cervical vertebrae with an LCP.
Methods: Medical records of eight horses were reviewed for patient data, history, preoperative grade of ataxia, diagnostic imaging, surgical technique and complications. Follow-up information was obtained including clinical re-examination and radiographs whenever possible.
Results: Two (n = 5) or 3 (n = 3) cervical vertebrae were fused in a mixed population with a median age of 9 months, median weight of 330 kg and median grade of ataxia of 3/5. A narrow 4.5/5.0 LCP (n = 6), a broad 4.5/5.0 LCP (n = 1) and a human femur 4.5/5.0 LCP (n = 1) were applied. Two horses were re-operated due to implant loosening. Six patients developed a seroma. Long-term complications included ventral screw migration in four, spinal cord injury in one and plate breakage in two horses at 720 to 1116 days after surgery. Outcome was excellent in three, good in four, poor in one patient.
Clinical Significance: The use of an LCP for ventral cervical vertebral fusion is associated with good clinical results. However, a careful surgical technique is required to further reduce the complication rate.

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Additional indexing

Item Type:Journal Article, refereed, original work
Communities & Collections:05 Vetsuisse Faculty > Veterinary Clinic > Equine Department
05 Vetsuisse Faculty > Veterinary Clinic > Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services
Dewey Decimal Classification:610 Medicine & health
Scopus Subject Areas:Life Sciences > Animal Science and Zoology
Health Sciences > General Veterinary
Uncontrolled Keywords:Animal Science and Zoology, General Veterinary
Language:English
Date:1 September 2018
Deposited On:16 Jan 2019 09:50
Last Modified:21 Sep 2023 01:35
Publisher:Schattauer
ISSN:0932-0814
OA Status:Green
Publisher DOI:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0038-1666979
PubMed ID:30138950
  • Content: Published Version
  • Language: English