Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Tension band surgery for spine fractures in dogs and cats
By Voss, Katja & Montavon, Pierre M·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2004·Clinic for Small Animal Surgery·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Tension band stabilization of fractures and luxations of the thoracolumbar vertebrae in dogs and cats: 38 cases (1993-2002).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 38 dogs and cats with traumatic fractures or dislocations in their lower back underwent a special surgical technique called tension band stabilization to help them heal. Most of the pets, about 79%, showed good recovery in their ability to move and function normally after the surgery. However, some pets faced complications, and a few were euthanized due to poor recovery. The study suggests that this technique works well for smaller pets, but larger dogs might need additional support to ensure proper healing.
People also search for: dog back injury treatment · cat spinal surgery recovery · tension band stabilization for pets
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of dogs and cats in which a tension band technique was used to stabilize traumatic fractures and luxations of the thoracolumbar vertebrae. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 38 client-owned animals (22 dogs and 16 cats) weighing between 1.4 and 45 kg (3 and 99 lb). PROCEDURE: Medical records of cats and dogs that underwent tension band stabilization of thoracolumbar fractures and luxations at the University of Zurich between 1993 and 2002 were reviewed. The stabilization technique was a modification of a spinal stapling technique with a figure 8 hemicerclage wire placed in a tension band fashion across the lesion. Neurologic status, lesion location and type, and concomitant traumatic injuries were assessed from the medical records and preoperative radiographs. Clinical outcome and complications were determined through follow-up examinations or telephone conversations with the owners. RESULTS: Complete or satisfactory neurologic recovery was achieved in 30 (79%) patients. Seven patients were euthanatized (6 owing to poor neurologic recovery and 1 owing to implant failure), and 1 dog was managed at home despite paraplegia. Clinically, only 4 patients (11%) had evidence of implant or fixation failure; all were dogs weighing > 16 kg (35 lb). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that the tension band technique may be appropriate for stabilization of fractures and luxations of the thoracolumbar vertebrae in cats and small- or medium-sized dogs. In larger dogs, fixation strength may be insufficient to stabilize certain fracture types and ancillary external or internal fixation methods may be needed.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15239477/