Abstract
Objective Surgical stabilization to treat fractures, luxations, and congenital malformations
in the thoracic spine can be difficult due to its unique anatomy and surrounding structures.
Our objective was to document the morphometrics of the thoracic vertebrae relating
to an ideal trajectory for dorsolateral implant placement in a variety of dog sizes
and to assess proximity to important adjacent critical anatomical structures using
computed tomography (CT) studies.
Study Design Medical records for 30 dogs with thoracic CT were evaluated. Implantation corridor
parameters for thoracic vertebrae (T1–T13) were measured, including the length, width,
angle from midline, and allowable deviation angle for corridors simulated using an
ideal implant trajectory. The distances from each vertebra to the trachea, lungs,
aorta, subclavian artery, and azygos vein were also measured.
Results Implantation corridor widths were often very narrow, particularly in the mid-thoracic
region, and allowable deviation angles were frequently small. Distances to critical
anatomical structures were often less than 1 mm, even in larger dogs.
Conclusion Thoracic implantation requires substantial precision to avoid breaching the canal,
ineffective implant placement, and potential life-threatening complications resulting
from invasion of surrounding anatomical structures.
Keywords
spinal stabilization - spinal fracture - spinal subluxation - spinal malformation
- computed tomography
