Vertebral Body Plating for Spinal Immobilization

SUMMARY Small bone plates were applied successfully to the dorsolateral aspects of the vertebral bodies of 20 dogs. The technique was evaluated for its compatibility with hemilaminectomy and its efficiency in immobilizing simulated spinal luxations. Eleven dogs were subjected to hemilaminectomy and vertebral body plating at various locations along the spinal column. Spinal instability was created in 9 dogs of various sizes and was corrected by affixing small bone plates to the vertebral bodies of the involved vertebrae. The dogs were observed for various lengths of time following surgery. The technique was found to be physiologically and mechanically sound as a means of spinal immobilization in both simulated spinal instability and in 3 clinical cases of spinal fractures and luxations.