Abstract
Abstract
Objective
To determine the biomechanical properties and modes of failure of a single level equine cervical spine immobilized with unilateral or bilateral articular process joint (APJ) stabilization, ventral cervical stabilization (VCS) and non‐stabilized controls.
Study design
Ex vivo experimental study.
Sample population
A total of 24 equine cadaver cervical spines.
Methods
Cervical spinal units (C4–C5) were randomly assigned to four groups (
n
= 6/group): unilateral APJ stabilization, bilateral APJ stabilization, VCS using pedicle screws and rod constructs, or non‐stabilized. Non‐destructive testing assessed kinematic range of motion (ROM), neutral zone, and stiffness in flexion‐extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending. Specimens underwent four‐point bending to failure (0.1 mm/s). Radiographs and visual inspection characterized failure mode. Groups were compared using one‐way ANOVA or Kruskal‐Wallis tests. Significance was
p
Results
Non‐destructive testing showed unilateral and bilateral APJ constructs were stiffer in flexion‐extension, axial rotation and lateral bending than non‐stabilized (
p
p
= .0037), unilateral APJ (14.06 ± 2.94 Nm/°,
p
p
Conclusion
Bilateral APJ stabilization demonstrated greater stiffness than VCS with comparable failure moments.
Clinical significance
Bilateral APJ stabilization, with its higher stiffness than VCS, may be an alternative strategy to achieve spinal fusion in horses while avoiding a ventral surgical approach. Future investigations and development of this technique in vivo are warranted before implementation in clinical cases.