In this exclusive presentation for the Equine Spine Initiative, veteran equine surgeon Dr. Barrie Grant explores decades of evolving techniques for repairing cervical fractures in horses. Highlighting a series of remarkable cases, including a high-profile international racehorse in Dubai that successfully returned to pasture and breeding. Dr. Grant and his colleagues discuss the paradigm shift toward a “chance to cut, the chance to cure” philosophy.
The session covers:
- Surgical Approaches: Standard ventral midline procedures, implant selections (including T-plates and 3D printed plates), and stabilizing fragments using push-pull realignment devices.
- Diagnostic Insights: The impact of standing CT and myelograms on identifying fractures vs. developmental conditions like Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) and underlying degenerative disc disease.
- Anesthesia & Recovery: Best practices for safe induction and recovery using head-and-tail rope systems and sling training.
- Conservative vs. Surgical Management: Defining clinical indications for active surgical intervention to prevent dynamic “bowstring” spinal stenosis.
- Rehabilitation: The clinical benefits of early, supervised post-operative movement, walking, and controlled treadmill work to stimulate proprioception and core muscle memory.
Resources
- Kuchynsky et al., 2024: scRNA-seq Analysis of the Cartilaginous Endplates (Arthritis Research & Therapy)
- Swahn et al., 2024: Single-Cell RNA Sequencing of Human AF and NP Reveals Modes of Degradation (Advanced Science)
- Tu et al., 2022: Single-Cell Transcriptomic Profile of Cells in the Nucleus Pulposus (Advanced Science)