Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 17, 2025
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in the Ovine Model
Published on: October 5, 2009
3D-printed titanium cervical integrated spacer for C6-C7 fusion in a horse with discospondylitis
Anouk Vercherin1, Christophorus J Lischer2, Ariane Campos Schweitzer1
1Equine Clinic of Grosbois, Boissy Saint Léger, France.
Objective:
To describe a distraction-stabilization technique using a three dimensional (3D)-printed titanium cervical integrated spacer (CIS) in a horse with a C6-C7 severe discospondylitis.
Animal:
A 4-year-old 540 kg Sächsisch-Thüringisches Schweres Warmblut gelding.
Study Design:
Single case report.
Methods:
A 4-year-old Schweres Warmblut gelding with a 14-month history of gait abnormalities, progressing to grade 3/5 ataxia on the Mayhew scale, was diagnosed via radiography and computed tomography with severe discospondylitis and significant spinal cord compression at C6-C7. A surgical arthrodesis was elected. Under radiographic control, a CIS was placed using a 3D-printed instrument set.
Results:
At 16 months, radiographs, confirmed implant stability, maintained vertebral alignment and successful fusion. Gait evaluation showed no overt ataxia and only mild thoracic limb dysmetria.
Conclusion:
3D-printed CIS appears a promising implant for stabilizing equine caudal vertebrae (C6-C7).
