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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Laminectomy for the Removal of Thoracic Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum (TOLF) Using Ultrasonic and Conventional Osteotomes
Published on: April 21, 2023
Partial ostectomy of the dens to correct atlantoaxial subluxation in a pony
Eugenio Cillán-Garcia1, Sarah E Taylor, Neil Townsend
1Easter Bush Vet Centre, University of Edinburgh-Veterinary Clinical Science, Roslin, Midlothian, United Kingdom. eugeniocillan@yahoo.es
Objective:
To report a surgical technique that allows decompression and anatomic re-alignment for management of subluxation of the atlantoaxial articulation.
Study Design:
Clinical report.
Animals:
Four-year-old Welsh Section B pony gelding.
Methods:
Attempts at closed reduction of subluxation of the atlantoaxial articulation under general anesthesia were unsuccessful, so a ventral surgical approach allowing partial ostectomy of the dens of the axis was used to facilitate reduction.
Result:
Recovery from surgery was uneventful and the pony remained comfortable without neurologic deficits. Both neck stiffness and ataxia resolved. Radiographic examination at 5 days and 6 months postoperatively showed normal anatomic position of the dens of the axis and stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint.
Conclusion:
Partial ostectomy of the dens using a ventral approach can be used to facilitate reduction of atlantoaxial subluxation.
