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Baldo Clemot et al: Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral spine in neutral and flexed position for presurgical assessment of clinically affected dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis
Veterinary Surgery 1, 2026

Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral spine in neutral and flexed position for presurgical assessment of clinically affected dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis

🔍 Key Findings

  • Flexed MRI reduced IVD protrusion, foraminal stenosis, and VBLF significantly compared to neutral position.
  • No dogs had persistent cauda equina compression or foraminal occlusion in the flexed position.
  • Protrusion decreased by ~50% in flexion (PRCR and PACR reductions of 49.3% and 53.1%, respectively).
  • Degree of IVD protrusion correlated with IVD degeneration but not spondylosis.
  • Spondylosis did not limit flexion or affect decompression response.
  • Complete vertebral canal occlusion resolved in all cases when LSJ was flexed.
  • Indirect decompression via distraction may negate the need for laminectomy/discectomy, unless placing an IVD spacer.
  • Findings question the routine use of decompressive surgery with distraction-stabilization in DLSS when good flexion is achieved.

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← Articles

Baldo Clemot et al: Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral spine in neutral and flexed position for presurgical assessment of clinically affected dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis
Veterinary Surgery 1, 2026

🔍 Key Findings

  • Flexed MRI reduced IVD protrusion, foraminal stenosis, and VBLF significantly compared to neutral position.
  • No dogs had persistent cauda equina compression or foraminal occlusion in the flexed position.
  • Protrusion decreased by ~50% in flexion (PRCR and PACR reductions of 49.3% and 53.1%, respectively).
  • Degree of IVD protrusion correlated with IVD degeneration but not spondylosis.
  • Spondylosis did not limit flexion or affect decompression response.
  • Complete vertebral canal occlusion resolved in all cases when LSJ was flexed.
  • Indirect decompression via distraction may negate the need for laminectomy/discectomy, unless placing an IVD spacer.
  • Findings question the routine use of decompressive surgery with distraction-stabilization in DLSS when good flexion is achieved.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Baldo Clemot 2026 et al., on dynamic MRI in DLSS, what did the authors find regarding the relationship between spondylosis and MRI findings?

A. Spondylosis limited LSJ flexion
B. Spondylosis worsened foraminal stenosis in flexion
C. Spondylosis increased IVD protrusion in flexion
D. Spondylosis did not affect flexion or protrusion changes
E. Spondylosis correlated strongly with PRCR changes

Answer: Spondylosis did not affect flexion or protrusion changes

Explanation: No statistical correlation was found between spondylosis and either LSJ flexion or response in IVD protrusion.
In Baldo Clemot 2026 et al., on dynamic MRI in DLSS, what surgical implication is suggested by the resolution of compression in flexed MRI views?

A. IVD spacers should always be placed
B. Dorsal laminectomy is required regardless of MRI findings
C. Foraminotomy is mandatory
D. Distraction alone may suffice for decompression
E. Stabilization without imaging is acceptable

Answer: Distraction alone may suffice for decompression

Explanation: Flexed MRI showed complete resolution of compression, suggesting indirect decompression could eliminate the need for dorsal laminectomy or foraminotomy.
In Baldo Clemot 2026 et al., on dynamic MRI in DLSS, which factor correlated most significantly with the degree of IVD protrusion reduction in flexion?

A. Age of the dog
B. Degree of spondylosis
C. Degree of tail carriage abnormality
D. Degree of IVD degeneration
E. Type of breed

Answer: Degree of IVD degeneration

Explanation: The reduction in IVD protrusion was significantly correlated with the degree of IVD degeneration (p = .004).
In Baldo Clemot 2026 et al., on dynamic MRI in DLSS, how much did the protrusion-to-relative canal ratio (PRCR) reduce on average in the flexed position?

A. 10%
B. 25%
C. 40%
D. 50%
E. 70%

Answer: 50%

Explanation: PRCR reduced by approximately 49.3%, rounded to 50%, indicating significant decompression in flexion.
In Baldo Clemot 2026 et al., on dynamic MRI in DLSS, what was the most consistent finding in the flexed position compared to neutral?

A. Flexion increased IVD protrusion in all dogs
B. Flexion resolved all foraminal stenosis
C. Flexion eliminated spondylosis in all cases
D. Flexion caused cauda equina compression in most dogs
E. Flexion had no significant effect on LSJ parameters

Answer: Flexion resolved all foraminal stenosis

Explanation: In the flexed MRI position, no dogs had persistent foraminal occlusion, making it the most consistent finding.

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