Download PDF
Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2014; 27(04): 306-312
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-13-08-0098
Clinical Communication
Schattauer GmbH

Surgical repair of thoraco-lumbar vertebral fracture-luxations in eight cats using screws and polymethylmethacrylate fixation

R. Vallefuoco
1   Department of Small Animal Surgery, Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
,
M. Manassero
1   Department of Small Animal Surgery, Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
,
D. Leperlier
2   Centre Hospitalier Veterinaire Pommery, Reims, France
,
S. Scotti
3   Clinique Vétérinaire Evolia, L’isle Adam, France
,
V. Viateau
1   Department of Small Animal Surgery, Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
,
P. Moissonnier
1   Department of Small Animal Surgery, Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 06 August 2013

Accepted: 21 March 2014

Publication Date:
20 December 2017 (online)

Also available at
    Permissions and Reprints

Summary

Objective: To report our clinical experience in the surgical treatment of feline thora-columbar vertebral fracture-luxations using optimal safe implantation corridors as previously described in vitro.

Study design: Retrospective clinical study.

Materials and Methods: Medical records and radiographs of cats with vertebral fracture- luxations stabilized by screws and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) using optimal safe implantation corridors between 2009 and 2011 were reviewed. For each patient the data included: signalment, cause of vertebral fracture-luxations, presence of concurrent injuries, pre- and postoperative neurological grade, surgical treatment, imaging findings, and clinical outcome with short-term (2 weeks) and long-term (12 months) follow-up.

Results: Eight cats with vertebral fracture-luxations involving the lumbar (L)(n = 5), the thoracic (T) spinal segments (n = 2), or the thoraco-lumbar junction (n = 1) were included in the study. Screws and PMMA were used bilaterally in five cats and unilaterally in three cats. No surgical intra-operative complications using the defined corridors were recorded. Implant failure followed by spontaneous recovery was recorded in one case. Two cats died in the postoperative period (≤4 days). The short-term and long-term clinical outcome was excellent in four out of eight cats and satisfactory in two out of eight cats.

Conclusion and Clinical relevance: This pilot study demonstrates the clinical applicability of optimal safe implantation corridors for stabilization of feline thoraco-lumbar vertebral fracture-luxations with screws and PMMA. This technique can be used with limited risks of iatrogenic injuries for stabilization of vertebral fracture-luxation localized between T11-L4.

Keywords

Cat - vertebral - fracture - implantation corridor - luxation
 

  • References

  • 1 McKee WM. Spinal trauma in dogs and cats: A review of 51 cases. Vet Rec 1990; 126: 285-289.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 2 Selcer RR, Bubb SJ, Walker TL. Management of vertebral column fractures in dogs and cats: 211 cases (1977-1985). J Am Vet Med Assoc 1991; 198: 1965-1986.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 3 Besalti O, Ozak A, Tong S. Management of spinal trauma in 69 cats. Deutsche Tierärztliche Wochenschau 2002; 109: 315-320.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 4 Bruce CW, Brisson BA, Gyselinck K. Spinal fracture and luxation in dogs and cats. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2008; 3: 280-284.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 5 Bali MS, Lang J, Jaggy A. et al. Comparative study of vertebral fractures and luxations in dogs and cats. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2009; 1: 47-53.
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 6 Carberry CA, Flandres J, Dietz AE. et al. Nonsurgical management of thoracic and lumbar spinal fractures/luxations in the dog and cat: 17 cases. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1989; 25: 43-54.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 7 Shores A. Spinal trauma: pathophysiology and management of traumatic spinal injuries. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 1992; 22: 859-888.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 8 Roaf R. A study of the mechanics of spinal injuries. J Bone Joint Surg 1960; 42: 810-823.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 9 Dulisch ML, Withrow SJ. The use of plastic plates for fixation of spinal fractures in the dog. Can Vet J 1979; 20: 326-332.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 10 Smeak DD, Olmstead ML. Fracture / luxations of sacrococcygeal area in the cat a retrospective study of 51 cases. Vet Surg 1985; 14: 319-324.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 11 Jeffery ND. Vertebral fracture and luxation in small animals. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2010; 40: 809-828.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 12 Lumb WV, Brasmer TH. Improved spinal plates and hypothermia as adjuncts to spinal surgery. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1970; 157: 338-342.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 13 Shores A, Nichols C, Rochat M. et al. Combined Kirschner-Ehmer device and dorsal spinal plate fixation technique for caudal lumbar vertebral fractures in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1989; 195: 335-339.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 14 Bruecker KA. Principles of vertebral fracture management. Semin Vet Med Surg (Small Anim) 1996; 11: 259-272.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 15 Voss K, Montavon PM. Tension band stabilization of fractures and luxations of the thoracolumbar vertebrae in dogs and cats: 38 cases (1993-2002). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004; 225: 78-83.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 16 Wheeler JL, Lewis DD, Cross AR. et al. Closed fluoroscopic-assisted spinal arch external skeletal fixation for the stabilization of vertebral column injuries in five dogs. Vet Surg 2007; 36: 442-448.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 17 Krauss MW, Theyse LF, Tryfonidou MA. et al. Treatment of spinal fractures using Lubra plates. A retrospective clinical and radiological evaluation of 15 cases. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2012; 25: 326-331.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 18 Rouse GP, Miller JI. The use of methylmethacrylate for spinal stabilization. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1975; 11: 418-425.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 19 Blass CE, Seim HB. Spinal fixation in dogs using Steinmann pins and methylmethacrylate. Vet Surg 1984; 13: 203-210.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 20 Blass CE, Waldron DR, van Ee RT. Cervical stabilization in three dogs using Steinman pins and methylmethacrylate. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1988; 24: 61-68.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 21 Vallefuoco R, Bedu AS, Manassero M. et al. Computed tomography study of the optimal safe implantation corridors in feline thoraco-lumbar vertebrae. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2013; 26: 372-378.
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 22 Sharp NJH, Wheeler SJ. Patient Examination. In: Small Animal Spinal Disorders: Diagnosis and Surgery. 2nd ed. London: Mosby-Wolfe; 2005; pg. 19-33.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 23 Piermattei DL, Johnson KA. In: An Atlas of Surgical Approaches of the Bones and Joints of the Dog and Cat. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Elsevier Saunders; 2004; pg. 78-91.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 24 Seeman CW. A lateral approach for thoracolumbar disk fenestration. Mod Vet Pract 1968; 49: 73-74.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 25 Grasmueck S, Steffen F. Survival rates and outcomes in cats with thoracic and lumbar spinal cord injuries due to external trauma. J Small Anim Pract 2004; 45: 284-288.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 26 Garcia JN, Milthorpe BK, Russell D. et al. Biomechanical study of canine spinal fracture fixation using pins or bone screws with polymethylmethacrylate. Vet Surg 1994; 23: 322-329.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 27 Voss K, Montavon PM. Spine. In: Voss K, Montavon PM, Langley-Hobbs SJ. editors. Feline Orthopedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Disease. Montavon PM, Voss K, Langley-Hobbs SJ. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. pg. 407-422.
    Google Scholar
  • 28 Ethell MT, Bennett RA, Brown MP. et al. In vitro elution of gentamicin, amikacin, and ceftiofur from polymethylmethacrylate and hydroxyapatite cement. Vet Surg 2000; 29: 375-382.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 29 Weisman DL, Olmstead ML, Kowalski J. In vitro evaluation of antibiotic elution from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and mechanical assessment of antibiotic-PMMA composites. Vet Surg 2000; 29: 245-251.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 30 Walter MC, Smith GK, Newton D. Canine lumbar spinal internal fixation techniques: a comparative biomechanical study. Vet Surg 1986; 15: 191-198.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 31 Walker TM, Pierce WA, Welch RD. External fixation of the lumbar spine in a canine model. Vet Surg 2002; 31: 181-188.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 32 Seim III HB. Surgery of the Lumbosacral Spine. In: Fossum TW. editor. Small Animal Surgery; Mosby: 2007. pg. 1493-1513.
    Google Scholar
  • 33 Smolders LA, Voorhout G, van de Ven R. et al. Pedicle screw-rod fixation of the canine lumbosacral junction. Vet Surg 2012; 41: 720-732.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 34 Hettlich BF, Fosgate GT, Levine JM. et al. Accuracy of conventional radiography and computed tomography in predicting implant position in relation to the vertebral canal in dogs. Vet Surg 2010; 39: 680-687.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar