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Updated: Oct 7, 2026
A Novel Vertebral Stabilization Method for Producing Contusive Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: January 5, 2015
Cervical articular process joint versus ventral cervical stabilization in horses: A biomechanical study
Machiel P Ysebaert1, Ryan Foslien2, Donovan M David1
1Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
Objective:
To determine the biomechanical properties and modes of failure of a single level equine cervical spine immobilized with unilateral or bilateral articular process joint (APJ) stabilization, ventral cervical stabilization (VCS) and non-stabilized controls.
Study Design:
Ex vivo experimental study.
Sample Population:
A total of 24 equine cadaver cervical spines.
Methods:
Cervical spinal units (C4-C5) were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 6/group): unilateral APJ stabilization, bilateral APJ stabilization, VCS using pedicle screws and rod constructs, or non-stabilized. Non-destructive testing assessed kinematic range of motion (ROM), neutral zone, and stiffness in flexion-extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending. Specimens underwent four-point bending to failure (0.1 mm/s). Radiographs and visual inspection characterized failure mode. Groups were compared using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests. Significance was p < .05.
Results:
Non-destructive testing showed unilateral and bilateral APJ constructs were stiffer in flexion-extension, axial rotation and lateral bending than non-stabilized (p < .05). In destructive testing, bilateral APJ stabilization was 2.5× stiffer than VCS, with similar failure moments. Construct stiffness was higher with bilateral APJ stabilization (27.89 ± 5.11 Nm/°) versus non-stabilized (6.92 ± 3.90 Nm/°, p = .0037), unilateral APJ (14.06 ± 2.94 Nm/°, p < .0001) and VCS (11.28 ± 3.01 Nm/°, p < .0001) groups. Failure typically occurred as cranial articular process fracture in both bilateral and unilateral APJ constructs.
Conclusion:
Bilateral APJ stabilization demonstrated greater stiffness than VCS with comparable failure moments.
Clinical Significance:
Bilateral APJ stabilization, with its higher stiffness than VCS, may be an alternative strategy to achieve spinal fusion in horses while avoiding a ventral surgical approach. Future investigations and development of this technique in vivo are warranted before implementation in clinical cases.
