Repair of sixth lumbar vertebral fracture-luxations, using transilial pins and plastic spinous-process plates in six dogs

Transilial pins and paired plastic spinous-process plates were used to repair fracture-luxations of the sixth lumbar vertebra in 6 dogs. All dogs had signs of lumbar pain and variable lower motor neuron deficits to the hindquarters (including hind limbs, tail, and pelvic region). Lumbar pain was decreased or resolved the day after surgery in all dogs, and 3 dogs were able to walk without assistance. One dog initially deteriorated neurologically after surgery and 2 dogs with multiple concurrent orthopedic injuries had no improvement in neurologic function and remained nonambulatory. Pin migration associated with improper bending of the transilial pins and requiring early implant removal was the most common postoperative complication. Four dogs had no neurologic abnormalities 1 to 3 months after surgery. One dog had a resolving unilateral sciatic nerve deficit 9 months after surgery, and another dog was euthanatized 3 months after surgery because of continued paraparesis and urinary and fecal incontinence. These 6 cases illustrate the efficacy of plastic spinous-process plates in combination with transilial pins for the repair of fracture-luxation of the sixth lumbar vertebra.