Residual volume of extruded disc material and residual spinal cord compression measured on postoperative MRI do not predict neurological outcomes in dogs following decompressive surgery for thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion

Vincent Auffret, Aude Castel, Tristan Juette, Cyrielle Finck

Background
Thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) in dogs often leads to spinal cord compression and neurological deficits. This study examined whether postoperative MRI measures of residual extradural material (VREM) and spinal cord compression (RSCC) correlate with neurological outcomes.

Methods
Seventeen dogs with thoracolumbar IVDE underwent pre- and postoperative MRI and neurological evaluations 2–5 weeks post-surgery. Parameters included VREM, RSCC, and spinal cord decompression, measured by blinded observers. Outcomes were classified as positive or negative based on postoperative improvement.

Results
-All cases (100%) exhibited residual extradural material, averaging 26.4% of the preoperative volume.
-No significant differences in VREM, RSCC, or spinal cord decompression were observed between positive and negative outcome groups.
-No correlations were identified between MRI measures and outcomes.
-Interobserver agreement for MRI measures was high (ICCs 0.76–0.97).

Limitations
The small sample size and retrospective nature reduced statistical power. Variability in postoperative care and imaging artifacts could have influenced measurements.

Conclusions
Postoperative MRI measures of VREM and RSCC are not predictive of neurological outcomes. Routine postoperative MRI for assessing surgical efficacy may not be justified unless clinically indicated.

Disclaimer: The summary generated in this email was created by an AI large language model. Therefore errors may occur. Reading the article is the best way to understand the scholarly work. The figure presented here remains the property of the publisher or author and subject to the applicable copyright agreement. It is reproduced here as an educational work. If you have any questions or concerns about the work presented here, reply to this email.