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Partial Ostectomy of the Dens to Correct Atlantoaxial Subluxation in a Pony
Author(s) -
CillánGarcia Eugenio,
Taylor Sarah E.,
Townsend Neil,
Licka Theresia
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
veterinary surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1532-950X
pISSN - 0161-3499
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-950x.2011.00816.x
Subject(s) - medicine , ostectomy , pony , subluxation , surgery , reduction (mathematics) , decompression , orthodontics , alternative medicine , geometry , archaeology , mathematics , pathology , history
Objective: To report a surgical technique that allows decompression and anatomic re‐alignment for management of subluxation of the atlantoaxial articulation. Study Design: Clinical report. Animals: Four‐year‐old Welsh Section B pony gelding. Methods: Attempts at closed reduction of subluxation of the atlantoaxial articulation under general anesthesia were unsuccessful, so a ventral surgical approach allowing partial ostectomy of the dens of the axis was used to facilitate reduction. Result: Recovery from surgery was uneventful and the pony remained comfortable without neurologic deficits. Both neck stiffness and ataxia resolved. Radiographic examination at 5 days and 6 months postoperatively showed normal anatomic position of the dens of the axis and stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint. Conclusion: Partial ostectomy of the dens using a ventral approach can be used to facilitate reduction of atlantoaxial subluxation.