Repair of lumbosacral fracture-luxation with bilateral twisted string-of-pearls locking plates

To describe a surgical technique using bilateral twisted string-of-pearls locking plates for lumbosacral fracture-luxation in dogs and cats.

Twisted string-of-pearls locking plates were used to stabilise lumbosacral fracture-luxation between 2013 and 2017. Decompression of the cauda equina was achieved by dorsal laminectomy through a dorso-medial approach. Stabilisation was achieved using bilateral string-of-pearls plates attached to the lateral aspects of the vertebral body cranial to the fractured vertebra and the iliosacral joints. Reduction of the luxation was assessed under fluoroscopy. Outcome and complications were evaluated 24 hours, 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively.

Six animals (four dogs and two cats) were included. Five animals were presented with non-ambulatory paraparesis. Tail anaesthesia and severe lumbosacral pain was evident in all cases but one. Six weeks postoperatively, all animals improved to ambulation, and tail sensation recovered. The long-term clinical outcome was defined as excellent in five and satisfactory in the remaining case.

Bilateral twisted string-of-pearls locking plates can be associated with a satisfactory result in treating lumbosacral fracture-luxation.