Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2025; 38(04): A1-A35
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1810296
PODIUM ABSTRACTS

Development of 3D-Printed Interbody Fusion Devices to Enhance Biomechanical Stability and Reduce Postsurgical Complications in Canine Lumbosacral Disease

Authors

  • A. Kiapour

    1   Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

  • M. Yoshida

    2   Department of Clinical Studies New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

  • M. Greenberg

    3   The Geneva Foundation, Tacoma, Wisconsin, United States

  • M. Alonso

    4   Boston-Insilico LLC, Newton, Massachusetts, United States

  • R. Bergman

    5   Bridger Veterinary Specialists, Bozeman, Montana, United States

  • T. P. Schaer

    6   School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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    Introduction: Degenerative lumbosacral stenosis in dogs is characterized by narrowing of the vertebral canal at the lumbosacral (LS) junction, compressing the cauda equina nerve roots, causing clinical signs such as pelvic limb lameness, lumbar pain, and neurological deficits. Using intervertebral cages for fusion presents a promising approach for distraction, stabilization, and fusion of the LS spine following decompressive surgery. This study aims to design 3D-printed LS interbody devices and evaluate the biomechanical efficacy of different designs for stability and subsidence.

    Materials and Methods: Computed tomography scans of two cadaveric large breed dogs were used for anatomical segmentation, creation of 3D models, and device design. The three implant designs were based on L7-S1 intervertebral disc dimensions. Surgical access was over L6-S2, followed by dissection, removal of spinous processes of L7 and S1, and a dorsal laminectomy. A discectomy was performed, and implants were inserted. A finite element model of the L7-Sacrum region was built to simulate and calculate the ranges of motion (ROM) and subsidence in each construct.

    Results: The PLIF, TLIF, and ALIF cages implanted via a dorsal surgical approach effectively reduce the range of motion, with supplemental dorsal fixation further enhancing stability. The ALIF + PS configuration provided the greatest reduction in ROM, indicating superior stabilization. Subsidence analysis showed ALIF design had the lowest peak stresses and more uniform load distribution at the endplate.

    Discussion/Conclusion: This canine cadaver study demonstrates that 3D-printed interbody devices significantly improve lumbosacral spine stabilization. These findings support the clinical application of canine interbody devices for improved outcomes in treating degenerative lumbosacral stenosis.

    Acknowledgment

    Research grant: Institute for Medical Translation New Bolton Center.

    Student support: NIH/Boehringer Ingelheim Summer Research Program. Ali Kiapou (N); Miyuka Yoshida (N); Mitchell Greenberg (N); Matias Alonso (N); Robert Bergman, (1,2,3B,7A-Orthomed, 7A-Petvet Care Centers); Thomas P. Schaer (1-PSI, 1,3B,4,5-ReGelTec, 3B-Peptilogics, 3B,4,5-Acuitive Technologies, 3C-PAX Therapeutics, 3C-OrimTech, 3C,5-SINTX Technologies, 3C-OsteoCentric Technologies, 3B,6-Elute, 5-DePuy Synthes, 5-Alcyone Therapeutics, 5-Camber Spine, 5-Stryker, 5–4WEB, 5-Aravis, 5-Waypoint Orthopedics, 6-Heraeus, 6-Apyx, 6-Altus Spine, 5,6-Vet-Len).


     

    Publication History

    Article published online:
    15 July 2025

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