Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Surgical screw fixation and laminectomy for back pain in 17 dogs
By Golini, Lorenzo et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2014·VetSuisse Faculty·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Transarticular fixation with cortical screws combined with dorsal laminectomy and partial discectomy as surgical treatment of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis in 17 dogs: clinical and computed tomography follow-up.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 17 dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (a condition causing nerve compression in the lower back) underwent surgery that involved removing part of the spine and using screws to stabilize the area. After the surgery, 13 of the dogs showed improvement in their symptoms, while 2 experienced ongoing pain and 2 needed additional surgeries. Some screws failed, either breaking or pulling out, but overall, the dogs did not seem to suffer significantly from these issues. Most dogs were able to move better and had a better quality of life after the procedure.
People also search for: dog back pain surgery · degenerative lumbosacral stenosis treatment · dog spinal surgery recovery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical outcome and technical outcome assessed using computed tomography (CT) in dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS) treated by dorsal laminectomy, partial discectomy, and transarticular screw fixation. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational case series. ANIMALS: Dogs with DLSS (n = 17). METHODS: Dogs with neurologic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings compatible with DLSS treated by dorsal laminectomy, partial discectomy and transarticular screw fixation were enrolled. Pre- and postoperative neurologic status was compared. Lumbosacral (LS) angle in extension and misalignment in preoperative MRI were compared with the postoperative CT. Residual mobility of the LS joint after fixation was also evaluated. Status of screws, presence of new bone formation over screw heads/articular facets and presence of adjacent segment disease (ASD) were assessed. RESULTS: Median CT follow-up was 12 months. Clinical improvement was seen in 13 dogs, 2 dogs had intermittent LS pain, and 2 dogs needed revision surgery. In 5 dogs, screws were either pulled out or broken. Reduction of LS angle in extension and misalignment was achieved. Residual mobility of the LS segment was present and ASD was not recognized. CONCLUSIONS: Transarticular screw fixation in dogs with DLSS is associated with a considerable number of technical failures and does not result in rigid stabilization; however, this did not significantly adversely influence clinical outcome.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24617599/