Evaluation of four techniques of cervical spinal fixation in dogs.

Four surgical techniques for immobilizing unstable cervical vertebrae were evaluated. These techniques included: (1) placing screws bilaterally through the articular processes, (2) placing wires bilaterally through the articular processes, (3) placing a bone screw through vertebral bodies, and (4) placing a bone plate on the ventral surface of adjacent vertebral bodies. Each technique was found to have certain advantages and disadvantages.