Stabilisation with dorsal and ventral fixation of a traumatic cervical instability in a dog

Abstract

This case study reports the outcome of dorsal and ventral stabilisation of a traumatic cervical instability in a dog. A 2-year-old, male Pointer was admitted following a motor vehicle accident. Clinical examination revealed non-ambulatory tetraparesis, severe neck pain and upper motor neuron changes in all limbs. Deep pain response was present. Subluxation of C2/3 and fractures of the dorsal spinous process and lamina of C2 were observed on radiographs. Ventral stabilisation was performed with screws and bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate). For dorsal fixation of the fractures, screws and cerclage wire were used. The dog stood up independently after 1 month, was able to walk 1.5 months postoperatively and had recovered completely at 1 year following surgery. We conclude that combined stabilisation techniques are effective for this type of cervical fracture in which the dorsal, middle and ventral structures of the vertebra are severely disrupted.

In this issue – October 2009

“…This case report shows effective combined stabilisation techniques for a cervical fracture in which dorsal, middle and ventral structures of the vertebra were severely disrupted 5 …”

Treatment of spinal fractures using Lubra plates

“…Vehicular trauma is one of the most common causes of thoracolumbar spinal fractures, luxations, and fracture-luxations in dogs and cats, however bite wounds, gunshot wounds and other causes are also described (1)(2)(3).…”

“…The treatment of spinal injuries is determined by the location and severity of the spinal cord damage and by the nature of the structural damage of the spinal column (3,4). Numerous surgical techniques have been used to stabilize fractures and luxations in dogs and cats, including vertebral body plating, external splinting, spinal process plating in combination with application of a Kirschner-Ehmer apparatus, composite fixation with pins or screws and polymethylmethacrylate, stabilization with external fixation, spinal stapling, modified segmental spinal instrumentation, and tension band stabilization (4-7).…”