Current and Future Central Nervous System Surgery-Part 1: Cervical Spinal Cord Compression

Ventral cervical stabilization remains the primary surgical approach, in general, for horses with spinal cord compression. Advancements in volumetric imaging offer a more comprehensive understanding of central nervous system dysfunction elucidating that other modes of compression exist. Minimally invasive instrumentation and computer-assisted surgery are expanding therapeutic possibilities for cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy, radiculopathy, vertebral fractures, and intracranial or intraspinal masses. Emerging techniques-such as articular process joint fixation, targeted decompression, and novel implant systems-offer opportunities to addres spinal pathology more precisely. As technologies evolve and are validated, they hold promise to broaden surgical options and enhance outcomes.