Internal fixation of a fractured cranial articular process of the sixth cervical vertebra by means of computer-assisted surgery in a Warmblood gelding.

Objectives: To describe the repair of a fractured cranial articular process (AP) of the sixth cervical vertebra (C6) with cortex screws placed in lag fashion using computer-assisted surgery.

Animal: A 12-year-old Swiss Warmblood gelding.

Study design: Case report.

Methods: The gelding was presented with neck pain and ataxia after a fall. A fracture of the right cranial AP of C6 was identified on radiographs. The fracture was repaired by internal fixation with two 4.5 mm cortex screws of 58 and 48 mm length placed in lag fashion using computer-assisted surgery.

Results: During general anesthesia, it was suspected that the gelding developed brain edema that prolonged the recovery process. Postoperatively, the horse showed transient ataxia and myopathy of the left triceps muscle. Except for focal muscular atrophy of the right supraspinatus muscle, all complications resolved. Radiographs confirmed healing of the fracture with minimal callus formation. One year after surgery, the gelding had returned to ridden exercise and was performing well.

Conclusion: Computer-assisted surgery facilitates lag screw fixation of AP fractures and makes this a potential alternative to intervertebral body fusion, which is recommended for this type of fracture to avoid excessive callus formation and subsequent spinal cord or cervical spinal nerve compression.