Management of spinal fractures in small animals: Surgical repair with K-Wires, screws and polymethylmethacrylate bone cement

Abstract

Thoracolumbar spinal fractures and luxations are frequently seen in dogs and cats due to various causes, with the most common being vehicular trauma, bite wounds, and gunshot injuries. The lumbar vertebrae are the most common site for these injuries, followed by the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral junctions. Surgical stabilization techniques for these fractures include the placement of screws and K-wires through safe implantation corridors, often supplemented with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) for additional support. This article describes a study in which these techniques were applied to three cats and two dogs, each with different origins of spinal trauma, leading to varying degrees of neurological dysfunction. Additionally, this study underscores the factors contributing to successful outcomes, including the use of appropriate screw placement and PMMA application, as well as the risks and potential complications associated with these methods. Ultimately, the findings support the technique's applicability in treating vertebral.