Current and Future Central Nervous System Surgery-Part 2: Radiculopathy, Vertebral Fractures, and Intracranial...

Area of Science:

• Equine surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Central nervous system (CNS) diseases in horses

Background:

• Ventral cervical stabilization is the primary neurosurgical procedure for horses.
• Central nervous system (CNS) diseases present significant challenges in equine surgery.
• Traditional approaches are limited for many equine neurological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore advancements in equine neurosurgery.
• To discuss emerging techniques for treating CNS diseases in horses.
• To highlight the potential of new approaches to improve surgical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent advances in diagnostic imaging.
• Application of minimally invasive instrumentation.
• Utilisation of computer-assisted surgical navigation.
• Implementation of novel surgical techniques like percutaneous foraminotomy and facet fixation.

Main Results:

• Expanded therapeutic possibilities for equine CNS diseases beyond compressive myelopathy.
• Improved precision in addressing radiculopathy, vertebral fractures, and intracranial/intraspinal masses.
• Emerging techniques demonstrate potential for more targeted neural pathology treatment.

Conclusions:

• Innovative equine neurosurgical techniques are expanding treatment options.
• Advances in technology and methodology enhance precision for CNS disease management.
• Further experience with novel approaches promises better outcomes for horses with neurological conditions.