Traumatic L7 articular processes fracture and spondylolisthesis following dorsal lumbosacral laminectomy in a cat

Abstract

Case summaryA 12-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was presented to our referral hospital with a chronic history of tenesmus and lumbosacral pain. A diagnosis of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS) was made and a standard dorsal L7–S1 laminectomy was performed uneventfully, with complete recovery within 1 month. The cat was brought back 4 months later for investigation of lumbosacral pain after having suffered a minor traumatic event. Neurological examination identified a low tail carriage, weakness, exercise intolerance, left pelvic limb lameness and diminished withdrawal reflexes in both pelvic limbs with severe sacrocaudal pain. A traumatic facet fracture of the L7 articular processes and subsequent spondylolisthesis was diagnosed. A second surgery was performed to stabilise the region. The cat was normal on neurological examination 1 month later and no further clinical signs were noted.Relevance and novel informationThis is the first description of a fracture and spondylolisthesis as a possible postoperative complication after L7–S1 dorsal laminectomy in a cat. The case highlights the importance of postoperative changes in the supportive structures of the lumbosacral spine in cats after surgical treatment of DLSS.

Surgical management of cranial thoracolumbar stenosis and concurrent kyphoscoliosis in a dog by dorsal vertebral stabilisation using low‐profile three‐dimensional printed patient‐specific drill guides

“…In our case report with the use of unilateral guides, the risk of vertebral listhesis associated with the instability caused by the loss of the spinous process was thought to be avoided 37–39 . In human literature, laminectomy, direct decompressive surgery is believed to be associated with altered spinal biomechanics, and disrupting these osseous‐ligamentous structures of the posterior ligamentous complex can create postoperative spondylolisthesis, a potential outcome of spinal surgeries 37,40,41 . We propose that with this distinct surgical approach, leaving the Nuchal ligament and interspinous ligaments intact, osteo‐ligamentous stability was maintained by preventing spinous process displacement.…”

“…[37][38][39] In human literature, laminectomy, direct decompressive surgery is believed to be associated with altered spinal biomechanics, and disrupting these osseous-ligamentous structures of the posterior ligamentous complex can create postoperative spondylolisthesis, a potential outcome of spinal surgeries. 37,40,41 We propose that with this distinct surgical approach, leaving the Nuchal ligament and interspinous ligaments intact, osteo-ligamentous stability was maintained by preventing spinous process displacement. We acknowledge the differences between human and canine spinal anatomy.…”