3D printed patient-specific drill guide for percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in lumbosacral vertebrae in dogs: A cadaveric study and clinical case report.

3D-PSG-assisted pedicle screw fixation improves accuracy and reduces fluoroscopy exposure in canine lumbosacral procedures.

This study evaluated the feasibility and accuracy of 3D-printed patient-specific drill guides (PSGs) for percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) at the canine lumbosacral junction. The research compared 3D-PSG-assisted PPSF performed by a novice surgeon to freehand PPSF by an experienced surgeon in 13 Beagle cadavers, with one clinical case follow-up in a 5-year-old German Shepherd. Results demonstrated comparable operative times between techniques. However, 3D-PSG use significantly reduced fluoroscopic acquisitions (median 5 vs 9), improved angular deviation accuracy at L7 (sagittal and transverse), and reduced vertebral canal breaches at L7 (1/13 vs 6/13). The clinical case showed minor breaches but achieved normal gait at 3 months postoperatively. This technology appears to standardize screw trajectory control regardless of surgeon experience level, potentially improving safety and reducing radiation exposure during percutaneous pedicle screw procedures in dogs.

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