Minimal Invasive Stabilization of Thoracolumbar Spinal Fractures and Luxations in Dogs and Cats Using Unilateral Uniplanar External Skeletal Fixator

Introduction: Spinal fractures and luxations are a rare but challenging traumatic ailment in dogs and cats. Numerous stabilization techniques are known but many are very invasive. The aim of this study was to investigate and describe minimal invasive spinal stabilization using a unilateral uniplanar external skeletal fixator and to review short- and long-term outcome and complications in a clinical case series.

Materials and Methods: Medical records from animals affected by spinal fracture luxations were reviewed. The data included breed, age, gender, body weight, etiology, preoperative, and postoperative neurological state, radiographic findings, surgical treatment, pin size, number of pins, and stabilized vertebrae, intra- and postoperative complications, and neurological state at 10-week recheck.

Results: Twenty-seven animals were included, whereas 3 animals were treated conservatively, 15 surgically, and 9 were euthanized. In six dogs and five cats the injured spinal column was treated with a horizontally applied percutaneous ESF type 1a under fluoroscopic guidance. Pin sizes from 2.4 to 4 mm in dogs and 1.6 to 2 mm in cats were placed and 2 to 5 vertebral bodies immobilized. At the 10-week recheck, the neurological state improved in 10 patients to normal neurologic function whereas it deteriorated in one. In seven cases, no complications were detected. Complications were erythema, exudation, hemothorax, and pin loosening.

Discussion/Conclusion: The present work shows that ESF type 1a can be successfully applied to fractures and luxations of the spine in dogs and cats with minimal complications. This technique achieves good results with minimal cost and workload.

Acknowledgment: There are no conflicts of interest or funding to report.