Stabilization with a Ventral Screw and Polymethylmethacrylate Construct as a Method of Surgical Fixation for Transverse Vertebral Body Fractures of C2 in Three Dogs

Introduction: Canine spinal column fractures have been variably described in veterinary medicine, with limited characterization of cervical fractures. This report details the mechanism of injury of a transverse vertebral body fracture of the axis (C2) not previously described in veterinary literature, as well as a surgical fixation technique applied to three cases of the aforementioned fracture type.

Materials and Methods: Diagnostic imaging was used to describe C2 fractures and plan fixation in three dogs. The injury to C2 in all patients was characterized by a transverse fracture of the vertebral body with a dorsally displaced and caudodorsally angulated cranial fragment and an over-riding, craniodorsally angulated caudal fragment. Surgical reduction and stabilization of the cervical spine was performed through a ventral approach at the fracture site and adjacent vertebrae using Kirschner wires for anatomic reduction and a screw and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) construct was placed in a monocortical fashion.

Results: All three dogs had a good functional outcome. One dog experienced implant failure within 24 hours of surgery, which was immediately surgically corrected. At long-term follow-up (15 months postoperatively), all patients were clinically normal with no pain or difficulty ambulating.

Discussion/Conclusion: A transverse fracture of the vertebral body of C2 occurs as a result of a high energy, head-on impact that causes an axial loading injury. A ventral screw and PMMA construct is a useful method to stabilize this type of fracture with a successful clinical outcome.

Acknowledgement: There was no proprietary interest or funding provided for this project.