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Papacella et al: Spinal Neuronavigation for Lumbar Plate Fixation in Miniature Breed Dogs
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopedics and Traumatology 6, 2024

🔍 Key Findings Summary

  • Cadaveric study using 3 miniature breed dogs (6 hemipelves) to assess spinal neuronavigation accuracy for lumbar plate fixation
  • 20 screws placed using CBCT-based navigation with real-time tracking
  • 85% (17/20) of screws were safely and accurately placed
  • Median deviation of screw entry points from plan: 1.8 mm
  • All 3 misplaced screws occurred in a single cadaver, attributed to inexperienced drill handling
  • Custom 3D-printed lightweight tracking array was necessary due to small spinous processes in miniature dogs
  • No iatrogenic canal perforations or vertebral damage in any specimen
  • Concludes neuronavigation offers precise, safe placement of spinal implants in small dogs, with minimal anatomic disruption

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← Articles

Papacella et al: Spinal Neuronavigation for Lumbar Plate Fixation in Miniature Breed Dogs
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopedics and Traumatology 6, 2024

🔍 Key Findings Summary

  • Cadaveric study using 3 miniature breed dogs (6 hemipelves) to assess spinal neuronavigation accuracy for lumbar plate fixation
  • 20 screws placed using CBCT-based navigation with real-time tracking
  • 85% (17/20) of screws were safely and accurately placed
  • Median deviation of screw entry points from plan: 1.8 mm
  • All 3 misplaced screws occurred in a single cadaver, attributed to inexperienced drill handling
  • Custom 3D-printed lightweight tracking array was necessary due to small spinous processes in miniature dogs
  • No iatrogenic canal perforations or vertebral damage in any specimen
  • Concludes neuronavigation offers precise, safe placement of spinal implants in small dogs, with minimal anatomic disruption

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Papacella-Beugger 2024 et al., which anatomical limitation required a custom reference array?

A. Shallow spinous processes in large dogs
B. Excessive fat in the surgical site
C. Small spinous processes in miniature breeds
D. Interference from muscle bulk
E. Absence of vertebral laminae

Answer: Small spinous processes in miniature breeds

Explanation: Human trackers were too large for miniature dogs; a 3D-printed lightweight array was used instead:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
In Papacella-Beugger 2024 et al., what was the median deviation of screw entry points?

A. 0.9 mm
B. 1.2 mm
C. 1.6 mm
D. 1.8 mm
E. 2.0 mm

Answer: 1.8 mm

Explanation: The median entry point deviation from plan was 1.8 mm (range: 0.3–3.7 mm):contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
In Papacella-Beugger 2024 et al., what issue led to three screws being poorly positioned?

A. Inaccurate CT calibration
B. Loose plate positioning
C. Use of non-locking screws
D. Inexperience of the surgeon
E. Inadequate vertebral landmarks

Answer: Inexperience of the surgeon

Explanation: All three poorly placed screws occurred in one cadaver due to poor drill handling by the novice surgeon:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
In Papacella-Beugger 2024 et al., on neuronavigation, what percentage of screws were deemed appropriately placed?

A. 65%
B. 75%
C. 80%
D. 85%
E. 90%

Answer: 85%

Explanation: 85% (17/20) of screws were well-positioned using spinal neuronavigation:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
In Papacella-Beugger 2024 et al., what tool was essential for achieving low screw deviation?

A. Drill sleeves
B. Lateral fluoroscopy
C. Guided CT frames
D. Real-time feedback with tracked instruments
E. Freehand estimation

Answer: Real-time feedback with tracked instruments

Explanation: The neuronavigation system allowed the surgeon to drill with on-screen guidance via tracked tools:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

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