The effects of determining the vertebral implant position with three-dimensional computed tomography images on pre-surgical planning in cats

This study aims to investigate the effects of vertebral implant position on preoperative planning using three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) images in cats. Pedicled screw placement procedures for vertebral stabilization were performed on cadavers used in the study. Surgical accuracy and complication rates were evaluated by comparing the drill guide method and the freehand technique. The drill guide design was based on safe implantation corridors determined by CT imaging data, and ideal placement angles and distances of the screws were taken into consideration. While no complications were encountered in screw placements using the drill guide method, serious anatomical deviations and spinal canal invasions were observed, especially in the T12, T13, L4 and L5 vertebrae, after applications using the freehand technique. Medulla spinalis invasion (40%) was more common in screws placed from the right side, while spinal canal invasion (30%) was more common on the left side. Screwing using the drill guide resulted in complete agreement between alpha angles and screw placement accuracy; however, the differences between the angles measured between T12 and L5 in the freehand method were significant. These findings suggest that the use of CT data in preoperative planning can improve accuracy and that guided intervention has the potential to minimize surgical complications.