Spinal Fixation in Dogs Using Steinmann Pins and Methylmethacrylate

Abstract

Steinmann pins and methylmethacrylate were used to stabilize 17 vertebral fractures or luxations and one unstable congenital spinal deformity in 18 dogs of a wide range of ages and body weights. Of 12 dogs available for follow‐up examination (4–43 months), 10 were normal or only mildly ataxic, and two were ambulatory but severely ataxic. Five dogs died or were euthanized in the early postoperative period, but none of the deaths could be attributed to the technique. Uncommon complications associated with this fixation technique were pin migration and wound infection.

Accuracy and safety of pin placement during lateral versus dorsal stabilization of lumbar spinal fracture‐luxation in dogs

“…It is important that the pin engages the ventral vertebral body cortex to maximize bending strength and to minimize pin pull out strength . There is a high risk of death after penetration of the aorta and this has been previously reported with vertebral fracture repair . Both surgeons had increased distances from pin to aorta with the lateral approach, and the lateral approach was found to be superior to the dorsal approach.…”

“…Prognosis is based on presence of nociception. Methods to stabilize vertebral bodies include the use of pins and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), vertebral body plating, dorsal spinous process plating, facet joint plating, and external skeletal fixation …”

Biomechanical evaluation of the stabilizing function of the atlantoaxial ligaments under shear loading: A canine cadaveric study

“…The choice of treatment procedure for atlantoaxial instability is based on information derived from the neurologic and the radiographic examinations, and the preference and experience of the surgeon . Depending on the cause of the instability (i.e., traumatic vs. congenital), plates, Steinman pins and polymethylmethacrylate, cervical spine locking plates, dorsal wiring, Kishigami retractor, or transarticular fixation pins and screws may be selected as surgical treatment methods . Regardless of surgical procedure, the main objectives of atlantoaxial fixation are reduction of atlantoaxial subluxation, strong initial fixation after surgery and fusion of C1–C2 .…”

Bending Strength and Stiffness of Canine Cadaver Spines After Fixation of a Lumbar Spinal Fracture‐Luxation Using a Novel Unilateral Stabilization Technique Compared to Traditional Dorsal Stabilization

“…Lumbar spinal fractures and luxations are commonly associated with motor vehicle accidents or falls . Methods to stabilize these injuries include pins and polymethyl methacrylate bone cement (PMMA), vertebral body plating, dorsal spinous process plating, facet joint pinning, and external skeletal fixation . A widely reported technique uses dorsally placed pins combined with PMMA fixation of the vertebral bodies .…”