3D-printed titanium cervical integrated spacer for C6-C7 fusion in a horse with discospondylitis.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a distraction-stabilization technique using a three dimensional (3D)-printed titanium cervical integrated spacer (CIS) in a horse with a C6-C7 severe discospondylitis.

ANIMAL: A 4-year-old 540 kg Sächsisch-Thüringisches Schweres Warmblut gelding.

STUDY

DESIGN

Single case report.

METHODS

A 4-year-old Schweres Warmblut gelding with a 14-month history of gait abnormalities, progressing to grade 3/5 ataxia on the Mayhew scale, was diagnosed via radiography and computed tomography with severe discospondylitis and significant spinal cord compression at C6-C7. A surgical arthrodesis was elected. Under radiographic control, a CIS was placed using a 3D-printed instrument set.

RESULTS

At 16 months, radiographs, confirmed implant stability, maintained vertebral alignment and successful fusion. Gait evaluation showed no overt ataxia and only mild thoracic limb dysmetria.

CONCLUSION

3D-printed CIS appears a promising implant for stabilizing equine caudal vertebrae (C6-C7).