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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Surg / Intervertebral fusion for the repair of articular cervical f...
Veterinary surgery : VS2025; doi: 10.1111/vsu.70000

Intervertebral fusion for the repair of articular cervical fractures in three horses.

Abstract: To report successful stabilization of three cervical fracture types with articular involvement using different ventral cervical intervertebral fusion constructs. Methods: A 9-year-old French sport pony gelding, a 5-year-old Anglo-Arabian gelding and a 2-year-old French Warmblood mare. Methods: Short case series. Methods: Ventral cervical intervertebral fusion was performed in three cervical fracture cases: A vertebral body, a vertebral arch and a unilateral facet joint fracture. Selected implants for this purpose were an 11-hole 4.5/5.0 LCP, a three-dimensional (3D)-printed titanium cervical interbody spacer and plate, and a 3D-printed titanium interbody spacer combined with a 5-hole 4.5/5.0 locking compression plate, respectively. These implants were applied with locking and/or cancellous screws. Results: Postoperative radiographs showed fracture healing associated with a reduction in size of the immobilized facet joints. When present preoperatively, ataxia resolved following surgery. Fracture healing was associated with an excellent postoperative functional outcome in all three reported cases. Conclusions: Surgeons should consider ventral cervical intervertebral fusion techniques to manage cervical fractures with articular involvement.
© 2025 American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
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Publication Date: 2025-08-06 PubMed ID: 40767149DOI: 10.1111/vsu.70000Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research presents the successful surgical stabilization of three types of cervical fractures in horses using different ventral cervical fusion constructs. The stability was achieved through a surgical procedure using implants, which led to fracture healing and improved post-surgery functionality.

Methods

  • The study was carried out on three horses of different breeds: a 9-year-old French Sport Pony gelding, a 5-year-old Anglo-Arabian gelding, and a 2-year-old French Warmblood mare. Each was suffering from a different type of cervical fracture: a vertebral body fracture, a vertebral arch fracture, and a unilateral facet joint fracture, respectively.
  • The horses underwent a surgical procedure called ventral cervical intervertebral fusion. This procedure involved the use of specific implants chosen for each case. These consisted of an 11-hole 4.5/5.0 Locking Compression Plate (LCP), a three-dimensional (3D)-printed titanium cervical interbody spacer and plate, and a 3D-printed titanium interbody spacer paired with a 5-hole 4.5/5.0 locking compression plate.
  • During the procedure, the implants were applied with locking and/or cancellous screws to ensure the stability of the fracture.

Results

  • Postoperative examinations, including radiographs, showed fracture healing across all cases. This healing was linked with a reduction in the size of the immobilized facet joints. When present before the operation, ataxia (a lack of muscle control during voluntary movements) resolved following surgery.
  • Postoperative functional outcomes were excellent for all cases, indicating successful recovery and improved quality of life for the horses.

Conclusions

  • The researchers concluded that ventral cervical intervertebral fusion is a promising method for managing cervical fractures with articular involvement in horses.
  • Surgeons dealing with similar cases should consider this technique as it has produced successful outcomes.

Cite This Article

APA
Campos Schweitzer A, Vercherin A, Rossignol F. (2025). Intervertebral fusion for the repair of articular cervical fractures in three horses. Vet Surg. https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.70000

Publication

Veterinary surgery : VS
ISSN: 1532-950X
NlmUniqueID: 8113214
Country: United States
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Campos Schweitzer, Ariane
  • Grosbois Equine Clinic, Boissy-Saint-Léger, France.
Vercherin, Anouk
  • Grosbois Equine Clinic, Boissy-Saint-Léger, France.
Rossignol, Fabrice
  • Grosbois Equine Clinic, Boissy-Saint-Léger, France.

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