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Sabol et al: Implantation Corridors in Canine Thoracic Vertebrae: A Morphometric Study in Dogs of Varying Sizes
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopedics and Traumatology 2, 2024

🔍 Key Findings Summary

  • Evaluated ideal dorsolateral implant trajectories in T1–T13 using CT in 30 dogs across five weight classes.
  • Corridor widths were narrowest in the mid-thoracic vertebrae (as little as 1.8 mm) and increased cranially and caudally.
  • Allowable deviation angles (ADA) were often very small (as little as 3°), indicating high risk for canal or thoracic structure breach.
  • Distances to critical structures (lungs, aorta, subclavian artery, azygos vein) were often <1 mm, even in large dogs.
  • Data suggest extreme caution and precision are needed for thoracic vertebral implant placement and support use of navigation or 3D-printed guides.

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← Articles

Sabol et al: Implantation Corridors in Canine Thoracic Vertebrae: A Morphometric Study in Dogs of Varying Sizes
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopedics and Traumatology 2, 2024

🔍 Key Findings Summary

  • Evaluated ideal dorsolateral implant trajectories in T1–T13 using CT in 30 dogs across five weight classes.
  • Corridor widths were narrowest in the mid-thoracic vertebrae (as little as 1.8 mm) and increased cranially and caudally.
  • Allowable deviation angles (ADA) were often very small (as little as 3°), indicating high risk for canal or thoracic structure breach.
  • Distances to critical structures (lungs, aorta, subclavian artery, azygos vein) were often <1 mm, even in large dogs.
  • Data suggest extreme caution and precision are needed for thoracic vertebral implant placement and support use of navigation or 3D-printed guides.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Sabol 2024 et al., what critical structure was sometimes <1 mm from the pedicle trajectory in large dogs?

A. Esophagus
B. Subclavian artery
C. Lung
D. Lymph node
E. Azygos vein

Answer: Azygos vein

Explanation: The azygos vein, lungs, and aorta were often <1 mm from implants, especially mid-thoracic:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
In Sabol 2024 et al., what was the narrowest documented corridor width in thoracic vertebrae?

A. 1.8 mm
B. 2.5 mm
C. 3.6 mm
D. 4.2 mm
E. 5.8 mm

Answer: 1.8 mm

Explanation: Widths as small as 1.8 mm were documented in the mid-thoracic spine, highlighting surgical risk:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
In Sabol 2024 et al., what was the general distribution pattern of corridor widths across T1–T13?

A. Uniform
B. Decreasing cranially to caudally
C. Widest mid-thoracic
D. U-shaped
E. Widest caudally

Answer: U-shaped

Explanation: Wider widths at T1 and T13 with narrowest values mid-thoracic created a U-shaped distribution:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
In Sabol 2024 et al., what was the smallest allowable deviation angle reported?

A. 12°
B. 9°
C. 6°
D. 3°
E. 1°

Answer: 3°

Explanation: Some vertebrae permitted as little as 3° of deviation before breaching cortex or spinal canal:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
In Sabol 2024 et al., what technique was recommended to reduce risk of implant misplacement?

A. Freehand drilling
B. Fluoroscopy alone
C. Spinous process anchoring
D. 3D-printed drill guides
E. Laminectomy

Answer: 3D-printed drill guides

Explanation: The authors highlighted 3D-printed guides as improving accuracy and minimizing breach risk:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

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