🔍 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.
