Ventral Locking Compression Plate for Treatment of Cervical Stenotic Myelopathy in a 3-Month-Old Warmblood Foal
2009
REARDON, RICHARD | KUMMER, MARTIN | Lischer, Ch. J. (Christoph J)
To report a novel technique for cervical vertebral fusion in a foal with cervical vertebral malformation (CVM). Case report. 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. 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. A ventrally placed LCP provided adequate support for fusion and stability of cervical vertebrae. Use of an LCP applied ventrally offers an alternative to basket use in small or immature horses for fusion of cervical vertebrae.
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