Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
3D-printed plate surgery for neck instability in three dogs
By Guichard, M & Sager, F·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2026·Clinique vé, France·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Dorsal 3D-printed plate stabilisation of atlantoaxial instability associated with atlanto-occipital overlap in three dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Three small breed dogs were diagnosed with atlantoaxial instability, a condition affecting the neck that can lead to serious issues. They underwent surgery using a custom-made 3D-printed plate to stabilize the area, which is tricky due to the small size of their bones and their proximity to the spinal cord. After the surgery, the dogs were monitored with CT scans and follow-up calls, showing generally positive results in their recovery. This innovative surgical option seems to be a promising solution for this challenging condition in small dogs.
People also search for: dog neck instability treatment · 3D-printed plate for dog surgery · small breed dog neck problems
Abstract
Atlantoaxial instability is a common condition in toy breed dogs, sometimes associated with occipital dysplasia. Surgical stabilisation is challenging due to the small bone size and proximity to the spinal cord. This case report describes three dogs treated with a custom 3D-printed dorsal plate for atlantoaxial instability, considering the presence of atlanto-occipital overlap. Each patient underwent pre- and postoperative computed tomography, and follow-up was obtained via telephone for the surviving dogs. The use of a dorsal 3D-printed plate appears to offer a feasible and clinically acceptable option for managing atlantoaxial instability associated with atlanto-occipital overlap, with generally favourable short-term outcomes.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41451783/