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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2018; 31(05): 356-363
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1666979
Clinical Communication
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Outcome of Ventral Fusion of Two or Three Cervical Vertebrae with a Locking Compression Plate for the Treatment of Cervical Stenotic Myelopathy in Eight Horses

Christoph Kühnle
1   Division of Equine Surgery, Equine Hospital, Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
,
Anton E. Fürst
1   Division of Equine Surgery, Equine Hospital, Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
,
Elisabeth Ranninger
2   Equine Hospital, Division of Anaesthesiology, Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
,
José Suárez Sánchez-Andrade
3   Small Animal Hospital, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Small Animal Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
,
Jan M. Kümmerle
1   Division of Equine Surgery, Equine Hospital, Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

21 November 2017

09 May 2018

Publication Date:
23 August 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Objectives It was recently shown that biomechanical stability achieved with a locking compression plate (LCP) for ventral cervical fusion in horses is similar to the commonly used Kerf cut cylinder. The advantages of the LCP system render it an interesting implant for this indication. The goal of this report was to describe surgical technique, complications and outcome of horses that underwent ventral fusion of two or three cervical vertebrae with an LCP.

Methods Medical records of eight horses were reviewed for patient data, history, preoperative grade of ataxia, diagnostic imaging, surgical technique and complications. Follow-up information was obtained including clinical re-examination and radiographs whenever possible.

Results Two (n = 5) or 3 (n = 3) cervical vertebrae were fused in a mixed population with a median age of 9 months, median weight of 330 kg and median grade of ataxia of 3/5. A narrow 4.5/5.0 LCP (n = 6), a broad 4.5/5.0 LCP (n = 1) and a human femur 4.5/5.0 LCP (n = 1) were applied. Two horses were re-operated due to implant loosening. Six patients developed a seroma. Long-term complications included ventral screw migration in four, spinal cord injury in one and plate breakage in two horses at 720 to 1116 days after surgery. Outcome was excellent in three, good in four, poor in one patient.

Clinical Significance The use of an LCP for ventral cervical vertebral fusion is associated with good clinical results. However, a careful surgical technique is required to further reduce the complication rate.

Keywords

Wobbler syndrome - equine surgery - cervical fusion - locking plates - spine surgery

Author Contributions

Christoph Kühnle, Anton E. Fürst and Jan M. Kümmerle contributed to conception of study, study design and acquisition of data and data analysis and interpretation. José Suárez Sánchez-Andrade contributed to acquisition of data and data analysis and interpretation. Elisabeth Ranninger contributed to acquisition of data. All authors drafted, revised and approved the submitted manuscript.