Novel transforaminal approach allows surgical decompression of an atlantoaxial band in dogs: a cadaveric study and clinical cases.

Jeon, YoungJin; Lee, Haebeom; Jeong, Jaemin; Forterre, Franck D S; Roh, Yoonho (2022). Novel transforaminal approach allows surgical decompression of an atlantoaxial band in dogs: a cadaveric study and clinical cases. American journal of veterinary research, 83(12), pp. 1-7. American Veterinary Medical Association 10.2460/ajvr.22.08.0122

Preview

Text 0002-9645-ajvr.22.08.0122.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons: Attribution-Noncommercial (CC-BY-NC). Download (10MB) | Preview

OBJECTIVES

To describe a novel transforaminal approach for surgical excision of the atlantoaxial (AA) band and examine its feasibility, safety, and mechanical advantages in an ex vivo study and clinical cases.

SAMPLES

26 canine cadavers and 2 canine patients with AA bands.

PROCEDURES

The transforaminal approach via the first intervertebral foramen was designed to avoid damaging the dorsal AA ligament (DAAL) and dorsal laminas to maintain joint stability. The cadaveric study started on December 2020 and lasted 3 months. The ligamentum flavum (LF) was removed using a novel approach; then, gross examination was conducted to verify the potential damage to the spinal cord and associated structures and the adequacy of LF removal. Subsequently, the ex vivo tension test of the DAAL was conducted to establish whether the approach induced mechanical damage to the ligaments. Finally, 2 dogs diagnosed with an AA band were surgically treated with the transforaminal approach.

RESULTS

In the cadaveric study, postsurgical evaluation verified the subtotal removal of LF without damage to the dura mater. There were no significant differences in the mechanical properties of the DAAL, including the ultimate strength (P = .645) and displacement (P = .855), between the surgical and intact groups during the ex vivo tension test. In clinical cases, clinical signs and neurologic grades improved until the final follow-up.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The described surgical procedure using a transforaminal approach appears to sufficiently permit the removal of an AA band while reducing damage to the DAAL and spinal cord. Our study highlights the feasibility of the transforaminal approach.

Interest & Impact

Downloads

53 since deposited on 28 Oct 2022
24 in the past 12 months

Citations

5 Citations in Web of Science ®
6 Citations in Scopus

Search

in Google Scholar™

Services

Actions (login required)

Edit item

Actions (login required)

Edit item