Cervical spine reconstruction after total vertebrectomy using customized three-dimensional-printed implants in dogs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary neurosurgery
• Biomedical engineering
• Orthopedic surgery

Background:

• Surgical resection of vertebral tumors, especially in the cervical spine, is challenging in small animal neurosurgery.
• Limited options exist for effective tumor control and spinal reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and primary stability of patient-specific 3D-printed implants for cervical spine reconstruction.
• To evaluate the feasibility of using these implants after total vertebrectomy in canine cadavers.

Main Methods:

• Customized 3D-printed guides and implants were designed using CT imaging from beagle cadavers.
• Implants were used for C5 reconstruction following total vertebrectomy.
• Postoperative CT assessed screw accuracy; 4-point bending tests evaluated stability compared to intact and plate-reconstructed spines.

Main Results:

• All implants were placed without neurovascular damage; 90% of screws were accurately positioned.
• Customized implants significantly reduced cervical spine range of motion and neutral zone.
• Stability was comparable to traditional plate fixation methods.

Conclusions:

• Customized 3D-printed implants provide a safe and accurate method for cervical vertebra replacement in canine models.
• These implants offer primary stability for cervical spine reconstruction.