Unilateral biportal endoscopic partial cervical laminectomy and facetectomy: An ex vivo study and case report.

UBE cervical laminectomy is feasible, minimally invasive, and showed successful clinical outcome in canine wobbler syndrome.

This study evaluated the feasibility of unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) partial cervical laminectomy and facetectomy in canine cervical vertebrae through a cadaveric study of 14 beagle specimens and one clinical case report. Laminectomies were performed at C3-4 and C6-7 levels with assessment of visualization, anatomical landmark identification, and surgical parameters. Results demonstrated consistent visualization of anatomical landmarks with excellent scores (2 ± 0) and successful probing of target structures. Median surgical time was 31.5 minutes, with minimal portal sizes (1.21 ± 0.3 cm for instruments, 1.0 cm for endoscope). Laminectomy ratios averaged 39.9% cranially and 20.7% caudally relative to intact contralateral laminae. Three dural injuries were noted in cadaveric specimens. No differences were detected between left- and right-sided approaches. The clinical case involved a 5-year-old Doberman pinscher with wobbler syndrome that underwent UBE laminectomy with vertebral distraction and fusion at C5-6, resulting in resolution of proprioceptive ataxia within one month and normal neurologic examination at six-month follow-up. These findings support UBE laminectomy as a viable minimally invasive alternative for cervical spine decompression in dogs.

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