Background: Minimally invasive neurosurgery is a developing field. Thoracolumbar lateral corpectomy (TLLC) is a documented technique for decompression of intervertebral disc herniations in dogs, but information about minimally invasive TLLC in veterinary medicine is lacking. Hypothesis/
Objectives: This study evaluated the feasibility of endoscopic TLLC at various intervertebral disc spaces and with variable patient positioning using cadavers. We hypothesized that targeted surgical dimensions could be achieved at all intervertebral disc spaces from T11-12 through L3-4, and that angled positioning would change surgical dimensions. Animals: Eight cadaver dogs (15-30kg).
Methods: Pre-operative CT scans were performed for surgical planning. Target corpectomy dimensions were defined as 25% of vertebral body (VB) length, 50% of VB height, and 67% of vertebral canal diameter. Using the EasyGo! II system, endoscopic mini-hemilaminectomy and corpectomy were performed from T11-12 through L3-4. Corpectomy dimensions were measured as a percentage of total vertebral dimensions on post-operative CT.
Results: 36 surgeries were completed. Median ± IQR corpectomy dimensions were 23.07 ± 16.47% of VB length, 46.76 ± 21.7% of VB height, and 74.44 ± 47.37% of vertebral canal diameter. Targeted dimensions were achieved at all intervertebral disc spaces from T11-12 through L3-4. Intervertebral disc space did not significantly affect corpectomy length (p = 0.764), height (p = 0.648), or depth (p = 0.995). Angled positioning significantly affected corpectomy length and height (Table 2). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Minimally invasive TLLC can be performed from T11-12 through L3-4. Angled positioning affects some surgical dimensions. This pilot study will guide future applications to clinical patients.
