Ventral locking compression plate for treatment of cervical stenotic myelopathy in a 3-month-old warmblood foal.

The research article presents a new technique for treating cervical vertebral malformation in a young horse by fusing the affected vertebrae. The clinical report illustrates positive surgical outcomes, highlighting the potential use of the technique for similar cases in immature or small horses.

Overview of the Research

• The research was carried out on a 3-month-old Warmblood filly, which is a type of horse, that exhibited ataxia (lack of muscle control), weakness, and stenotic myelopathy (a condition in which the spinal canal narrows and compresses the nerves) at the 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae.
• The intention of the research was to test a new approach for treating cervical vertebral malformation, a condition often encountered in horses.

Methodology

• A 7-hole broad locking compression plate (LCP) was placed on the ventral (lower) aspect of the 6th and 7th vertebrae using seven 5.0-mm locking screws. This was a novel technique.
• Revision surgery was required when the initial self-drilling screws migrated. They were replaced with longer non self-drilling screws.
• Radiograph examinations took place at 4, 10, and 16-month intervals to monitor the fusion of the vertebrae and their growth. The filly was observed for 32 months total.

Results

• The horse responded well to the surgical procedures and showed an improvement of 2.5 neurologic grades by the 30th month.
• By 10 months, evidence of ventral inter-central joint fusion was apparent in radiographic examinations.
• All the vertebrae showed continued growth except for the cranial physis (growth layer) of the 7th vertebra.

Conclusions

• The research concluded that a ventrally placed LCP can adequately support fusion and stability of cervical vertebrae in horses.
• The use of an LCP applied ventrally provides an alternative to the traditional basket use in small or immature horses for the fusion of cervical vertebrae.