Method of Surgical Treatment of Spine Injury with the Use of Extracorporeal Navigation System Based on Additive Technologies.

We present a method of minimally invasive transcutaneous insertion of screws using a prefabricated extracorporeal navigation system using additive technologies (based on primary data obtained from the DICOM package in multi-detector computed tomography of the affected spine segment) according to the principle of personalized medicine. The method was tested on 10 dogs of different breeds with generally similar mechanism of trauma and typical consequences that led to fracture and dislocation of one of the lumbar vertebrae. In all animals, a positive treatment outcome of different degrees was achieved. Regression of the neurological deficit without significant postoperative inflammatory reaction was noted. The proposed method of treatment reduces the risk of malposition in pedicular and interbody pins and reduces radiation intraoperative exposure.

Accuracy of Placement of Pedicle Screws in the Lumbosacral Region of Dogs Using 3D-Printed Patient-Specific Drill Guides.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report the accuracy of pedicle screw placement using three-dimensional (3D)-printed, patient-specific drill guides in the lumbosacral region of dogs. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective study. Thirty-two pedicle screws were placed in five dogs. Medical records were reviewed between November 2015 and November 2018 for dogs showing clinical signs associated with cauda equina syndrome. Inclusion criteria included preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, pre- and postoperative computed tomography (CT) and dorsal stabilization, with pedicle screws placed using 3D-printed, patient-specific drill guides and polymethylmethacrylate. Screw placement was evaluated for medial or lateral breaching on postoperative CT. RESULTS: Five dogs met the inclusion criteria. Four had degenerative lumbosacral stenosis and one had discospondylitis. All dogs had failed medical management prior to surgery. Of 32 bicortical pedicle screws placed, 30 were fully contained inside the pedicle and 2 were partially breaching the vertebral canal (less than one-third of the screw diameter). Postoperative CT revealed good alignment of L7-S1 in all planes. CONCLUSION: This technique enabled an accurate and safe placement of pedicle screws in the lumbosacral region of dogs with lumbosacral disease. Three-dimensional, printed patient-specific drill guides are a safe and effective method of placing pedicle screws in dogs with lumbosacral disease.