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Schroeder et al: Fascial plane mapping for superficial tumor resection in dogs. Part I: Neck and trunk
Veterinary Surgery 1, 2022

🔍 Key Findings

  • Fascial planes in dogs were consistently classifiable into four surgical types:
  • Type I (discrete sheets), Type II (tightly adhered to thin muscle), Type III (tightly adhered to thick muscle), and Type IV (periosteum-associated).
  • Two junction types were identified: Type A (easily elevated) and Type B (higher risk of disruption).
  • Disruption-prone areas include the scapular spine (type IV fascia) and lateral thorax near the 13th rib, where rib resection may be needed to preserve margins.
  • The latissimus dorsi transition zones and fascial areas near the thoracic inlet and scapulohumeral joint were prone to fascial thinning or disruption.
  • Partial muscle resections or periosteal elevations may be required in areas with fragile fascia to maintain oncologic margins.
  • Dorsal spinous processes (T6–L6) showed type IV fascia; however, osteotomy may be needed in some dogs for clear margins.
  • Blended fascial transitions (e.g., rectus abdominis: type II cranially, type I caudally) necessitate intraoperative judgment on resection depth.
  • Cutaneous trunci may suffice as a deep margin for small, low-grade tumors in well-muscled dogs, but not reliably for high-grade or larger masses.

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← Articles

Schroeder et al: Fascial plane mapping for superficial tumor resection in dogs. Part I: Neck and trunk
Veterinary Surgery 1, 2022

🔍 Key Findings

  • Fascial planes in dogs were consistently classifiable into four surgical types:
  • Type I (discrete sheets), Type II (tightly adhered to thin muscle), Type III (tightly adhered to thick muscle), and Type IV (periosteum-associated).
  • Two junction types were identified: Type A (easily elevated) and Type B (higher risk of disruption).
  • Disruption-prone areas include the scapular spine (type IV fascia) and lateral thorax near the 13th rib, where rib resection may be needed to preserve margins.
  • The latissimus dorsi transition zones and fascial areas near the thoracic inlet and scapulohumeral joint were prone to fascial thinning or disruption.
  • Partial muscle resections or periosteal elevations may be required in areas with fragile fascia to maintain oncologic margins.
  • Dorsal spinous processes (T6–L6) showed type IV fascia; however, osteotomy may be needed in some dogs for clear margins.
  • Blended fascial transitions (e.g., rectus abdominis: type II cranially, type I caudally) necessitate intraoperative judgment on resection depth.
  • Cutaneous trunci may suffice as a deep margin for small, low-grade tumors in well-muscled dogs, but not reliably for high-grade or larger masses.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Schroeder 2022 et al., on fascial anatomy mapping, which region is most prone to fascial disruption during resection?

A. A. Over the dorsal spinous processes
B. B. Over the rectus abdominis caudally
C. C. Over the scapular spine
D. D. Over the lumbodorsal fascia
E. E. Over the external abdominal oblique cranially

Answer: C. Over the scapular spine

Explanation: The scapular spine has Type IV fascia, which is thin and adherent to bone, making it prone to disruption.
In Schroeder 2022 et al., on fascial anatomy mapping, what is the characteristic of type I fascia?

A. A. Periosteum tightly adhered to bone
B. B. Fascia tightly adhered to thin muscle fibers
C. C. Discrete, clearly dissectible fascial sheets
D. D. Areas with absent fascial planes
E. E. Fascia associated with adipose tissue

Answer: C. Discrete, clearly dissectible fascial sheets

Explanation: Type I fascia is defined as discrete fascial sheets visible to the naked eye and easily dissectible.
In Schroeder 2022 et al., on fascial anatomy mapping, which fascial type is associated with periosteum and bony structures?

A. A. Type I
B. B. Type II
C. C. Type III
D. D. Type IV
E. E. Type B

Answer: D. Type IV

Explanation: Type IV fascia is associated with the periosteum and requires careful subperiosteal elevation or bone resection for clear margins.
In Schroeder 2022 et al., on fascial anatomy mapping, what is a key challenge of using cutaneous trunci as a deep margin?

A. A. It is always adherent to bone
B. B. It provides too thick a barrier
C. C. It is striated muscle with fragile fascia
D. D. It cannot be visualized intraoperatively
E. E. It has a high vascularity

Answer: C. It is striated muscle with fragile fascia

Explanation: The cutaneous trunci has thin, fragile fascia and may be inadequate for deep margins in many cases.
In Schroeder 2022 et al., on fascial anatomy mapping, what surgical approach may be required for tumors near the 13th rib?

A. A. Superficial elevation of cutaneous trunci
B. B. Elevation of lumbodorsal fascia only
C. C. Subperiosteal elevation or partial rib ostectomy
D. D. Avoidance of deep plane dissection
E. E. Fascia over brachiocephalicus muscle resection

Answer: C. Subperiosteal elevation or partial rib ostectomy

Explanation: The fascia near the 13th rib is thin and prone to tearing; subperiosteal elevation or rib removal is needed to preserve margins.

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