Use of the Kishigami Atlantoaxial Tension Band in Eight Toy Breed Dogs with Atlantoaxial Subluxation

Abstract

Kishigami AATB may be acceptable as an alternative method for dorsal stabilization of AA subluxation in toy breed dogs in which use of ventral screws or pins is challenging. Experience with this technique in a larger population is necessary to compare our results to those reported by ventral approach. CLINICAL RELEVANCE; The surgical technique described is effective, safe, and simple in the surgical treatment of AA subluxation in toy breed dogs.

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 .…”

CT scan based determination of optimal bone corridor for atlantoaxial ventral screw fixation in miniature breed dogs

“…Atlantoaxial stabilization can be achieved using either dorsal or ventral approaches and a variety of techniques for each approach have been described …”

Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and a novel surgical approach of atlanto-axial instability with incongruence in dogs

“…The principal radiographic sign of AA subluxation is enlargement of the space between the tip of the spinous process of the axis and the dorsal arch of the atlas [26] on laterolateral radiography. This finding is suggestive of ligamentous insufficiency but is non-specific [20].…”

“…Moreover, in cases of incomplete ossification of the atlas, standard ventral fixation techniques can be difficult or impossible to perform [27]. Dorsal stabilisation techniques such as sublaminar wiring and non-absorbable sutures within the dorsal muscles or Kishigami AA tension bands are not appropriate for the treatment of AA incongruence mainly because these tension bands strictly require that the joint be congruent [20,23]. The rationale behind tension bands is that traction exerted on one side will cause compression on the other side.…”