Accuracy of conventional radiography and computed tomography in predicting implant position in relation to the vertebral canal in dogs.

Hettlich, Bianca Felicitas; Fosgate, Geoffrey T; Levine, Jonathan M; Young, Benjamin D; Kerwin, Sharon C; Walker, Michael; Griffin, Jay; Maierl, Johann (2010). Accuracy of conventional radiography and computed tomography in predicting implant position in relation to the vertebral canal in dogs. Veterinary surgery, 39(6), pp. 680-687. Wiley-Blackwell 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2010.00697.x

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OBJECTIVE

To compare the accuracy of radiography and computed tomography (CT) in predicting implant position in relation to the vertebral canal in the cervical and thoracolumbar vertebral column.

STUDY DESIGN

In vitro imaging and anatomic study.

ANIMALS

Medium-sized canine cadaver vertebral columns (n=12).

METHODS

Steinmann pins were inserted into cervical and thoracolumbar vertebrae based on established landmarks but without predetermination of vertebral canal violation. Radiographs and CT images were obtained and evaluated by 6 individuals. A random subset of pins was evaluated for ability to distinguish left from right pins on radiographs. The ability to correctly identify vertebral canal penetration for all pins was assessed both on radiographs and CT. Spines were then anatomically prepared and visual examination of pin penetration into the canal served as the gold standard.

RESULTS

Left/right accuracy was 93.1%. Overall sensitivity of radiographs and CT to detect vertebral canal penetration by an implant were significantly different and estimated as 50.7% and 93.4%, respectively (P<.0001). Sensitivity was significantly higher for complete versus partial penetration and for radiologists compared with nonradiologists for both imaging modalities. Overall specificity of radiographs and CT to detect vertebral canal penetration was 82.9% and 86.4%, respectively (P=.049).

CONCLUSIONS

CT was superior to radiographic assessment and is the recommended imaging modality to assess penetration into the vertebral canal.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

CT is significantly more accurate in identifying vertebral canal violation by Steinmann pins and should be performed postoperatively to assess implant position.

Item Type:	Journal Article (Original Article)
Division/Institute:	05 Veterinary Medicine > Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine (DKV) 05 Veterinary Medicine > Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine (DKV) > Small Animal Clinic > Small Animal Clinic, Surgery 05 Veterinary Medicine > Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine (DKV) > Small Animal Clinic
UniBE Contributor:	Hettlich, Bianca Felicitas
Subjects:	600 Technology > 610 Medicine & health
ISSN:	0161-3499
Publisher:	Wiley-Blackwell
Language:	English
Submitter:	Bianca Felicitas Hettlich
Date Deposited:	31 Mar 2016 08:52
Last Modified:	05 Dec 2022 14:52
Publisher DOI:	10.1111/j.1532-950X.2010.00697.x
PubMed ID:	20459486
URI:	https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/77339