Integrated endoscopic thoracolumbar mini-hemilaminectomy and lateral corpectomy in cadaver dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of minimally invasive integrated endoscopic mini-hemilaminectomy and thoracolumbar lateral corpectomy at six intervertebral disc spaces in the canine thoracolumbar vertebral column.

STUDY

DESIGN

Experimental, randomized cadaveric study.

ANIMALS: Eight cadaver dogs euthanized for reasons unrelated to this study.

METHODS

Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were performed for surgical planning. Using an endoscopic system, mini-hemilaminectomy and thoracolumbar lateral corpectomy were performed from the T11-12 through L3-4 intervertebral disc spaces, with cadavers in sternal recumbency or positioned at a 30°-60° angle. Postoperative CT scans were used to measure corpectomy dimensions as a percentage of total vertebral dimensions.

RESULTS

Median ± interquartile range (IQR) corpectomy dimensions were 23.07% ± 16.47% of vertebral body length, 46.76% ± 21.7% of vertebral body height, and 74.44% ± 47.37% of vertebral canal diameter. Targeted dimensions were achieved at all surgical sites from T11-12 through L3-4.

CONCLUSION

Integrated endoscopic thoracolumbar lateral corpectomy was successfully performed at all intervertebral disc spaces from T11-12 through L3-4 using an endoscopic system, although thoracic sites required more practice.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This pilot study will guide further clinical applications of minimally invasive neurosurgery in small animal patients.