Abstract
ABSTRACT: Dorsal laminectomy is routinely performed for spinal cord compressions or stenosis of the cervical vertebral canal. However, despite good results, relevant complications have been described in dogs. Considering the incomplete understanding of the necessity for complementary surgical stabilization after performing laminectomies in the cervical region, this study compared the resistance and range of motion (ROM) of the cervical spinal column subjected to Funkquist B laminectomy between the sixth and seventh vertebrae in dogs. Forty-four cervical vertebral columns (C2-T1) of dogs, with an average weight of 26.2±3.8 kg, were selected using radiography and computed tomography. Four experimental groups (n=11) were established according to the mechanical test: two control groups (flexion and extension control) and two laminectomy groups (flexion and extension laminectomies). Numerical results of the maximum load for measuring the resistance and ROM of the columns of the two control groups and the two laminectomy groups were compared. The laminectomy groups showed a lower maximum load, regardless of the mechanical test performed (P<0.001). The ROM was not influenced by laminectomy, the type of mechanical test (ventral flexion or extension), or its interaction (P<0.05). There was no interaction between the effect of the laminectomy factors (yes or no) and the effect of the mechanical tests for ventral flexion or extension (P<0.05). In conclusion, Funkquist B dorsal cervical laminectomy between C6 and C7 decreases mechanical resistance with a supraphysiological loading force but does not alter the ROM, suggesting that it can be used without additional mechanical stabilization in dogs.
Highlights
Spinal and spinal cord diseases can potentially cause permanent physical disability in small animals
In view of the need for a better understanding of the effects of laminectomy on postoperative stability of the cervical spinal columns, this study evaluated the effects of Funkquist B dorsal laminectomy on the stability of vertebral segments C6 and C7
There was no interaction between the effect of the laminectomy factors and between the effect of the mechanical tests for ventral flexion or extension for the evaluated variables (P>0.05) (Table 1)
Summary
Spinal and spinal cord diseases can potentially cause permanent physical disability in small animals. Cervical spinal injuries yield alterations, such as hyperesthesia, motor dysfunction, and lameness due to nerve root compression, representing relevant proportions of cases in most veterinary reference centers (SANTINI et al, 2010; FUJIOKA et al, 2019). Dorsal laminectomy was first mentioned more than five decades ago and is performed routinely for the treatment of syndromes that cause spinal cord compression or stenosis of the vertebral. Its application in the cervical region showed good clinical results (SHIMIZU et al, 2016). It is used in compressive, single, or multiple conditions that affect the dorsal, lateral, and even ventral portions of the vertebral canal. Dorsal laminectomy has low morbidity, good prognosis, and excellent recovery in most cases (TAYLOR-BROWN et al, 2015; KOSUKE et al, 2016; HWANG et al, 2016; LEE et al, 2020)
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