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Integrated endoscopic thoracolumbar mini-hemilaminectomy and lateral corpectomy in cadaver dogs
Megan M Wolfe1, Lisa R Bartner1, Eric Monnet1
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility of minimally invasive integrated endoscopic mini-hemilaminectomy and thoracolumbar lateral corpectomy at six intervertebral disc spaces in the canine thoracolumbar vertebral column.
Study Design:
Experimental, randomized cadaveric study.
Animals:
Eight cadaver dogs euthanized for reasons unrelated to this study.
Methods:
Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were performed for surgical planning. Using an endoscopic system, mini-hemilaminectomy and thoracolumbar lateral corpectomy were performed from the T11-12 through L3-4 intervertebral disc spaces, with cadavers in sternal recumbency or positioned at a 30°-60° angle. Postoperative CT scans were used to measure corpectomy dimensions as a percentage of total vertebral dimensions.
Results:
Median ± interquartile range (IQR) corpectomy dimensions were 23.07% ± 16.47% of vertebral body length, 46.76% ± 21.7% of vertebral body height, and 74.44% ± 47.37% of vertebral canal diameter. Targeted dimensions were achieved at all surgical sites from T11-12 through L3-4.
Conclusion:
Integrated endoscopic thoracolumbar lateral corpectomy was successfully performed at all intervertebral disc spaces from T11-12 through L3-4 using an endoscopic system, although thoracic sites required more practice.
Clinical Significance:
This pilot study will guide further clinical applications of minimally invasive neurosurgery in small animal patients.
