OBJECTIVE: To report a novel technique for cervical vertebral fusion in a foal with cervical vertebral malformation (CVM). STUDY DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: A 3-month-old Warmblood filly with ataxia, weakness, and stenotic myelopathy at the level of the articulation of the 6th (C6) and 7th (C7) cervical vertebrae had a 7-hole broad locking compression plate (LCP) applied to the ventral aspect of C6 and C7 using seven 5.0-mm locking screws. Revision surgery was required to replace the self-drilling screws, which had migrated, with longer non self-drilling screws. Fusion and growth of the vertebrae were monitored radiographically at 4, 10, and 16 months using radiography and the filly was followed for 32 months. RESULTS: The filly recovered well from the surgical procedures and by 30 months had improved by 2.5 neurologic grades. Ventral inter-central joint fusion was evident by 10 months. Continued vertebral growth occurred in all but the cranial physis of the C7 vertebral body. CONCLUSIONS: A ventrally placed LCP provided adequate support for fusion and stability of cervical vertebrae. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Use of an LCP applied ventrally offers an alternative to basket use in small or immature horses for fusion of cervical vertebrae.
OBJECTIVE: To report a novel technique for cervical vertebral fusion in a foal with cervical vertebral malformation (CVM). STUDY DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: A 3-month-old Warmblood filly with ataxia, weakness, and stenotic myelopathy at the level of the articulation of the 6th (C6) and 7th (C7) cervical vertebrae had a 7-hole broad locking compression plate (LCP) applied to the ventral aspect of C6 and C7 using seven 5.0-mm locking screws. Revision surgery was required to replace the self-drilling screws, which had migrated, with longer non self-drilling screws. Fusion and growth of the vertebrae were monitored radiographically at 4, 10, and 16 months using radiography and the filly was followed for 32 months. RESULTS: The filly recovered well from the surgical procedures and by 30 months had improved by 2.5 neurologic grades. Ventral inter-central joint fusion was evident by 10 months. Continued vertebral growth occurred in all but the cranial physis of the C7 vertebral body. CONCLUSIONS: A ventrally placed LCP provided adequate support for fusion and stability of cervical vertebrae. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Use of an LCP applied ventrally offers an alternative to basket use in small or immature horses for fusion of cervical vertebrae.
Authors: Lynn M Pezzanite; Jeremiah T Easley; Rosemary Bayless; Ellison Aldrich; Brad B Nelson; Howard B Seim; Yvette S Nout-Lomas Journal: Equine Vet J Date: 2021-05-03 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Chee Kin Lim; Jan Fletcher Hawkins; Andrea Lynn Vanderpool; Hock Gan Heng; Caroline Cooper Gillespie Harmon; Stephen Dana Lenz Journal: Acta Vet Scand Date: 2017-10-30 Impact factor: 1.695