Acquisition of Autologous Cancellous Bone Graft using the Manubrium in Dogs undergoing Atlantoaxial Surgical Stabilization

Abstract The aim of this study was to describe the feasibility of obtaining autologous cancellous bone graft from the manubrium in toy breed dogs undergoing ventral stabilization for naturally occurring atlantoaxial subluxation A retrospective descriptive study involved four dogs with naturally occurring atlantoaxial subluxation, which underwent ventral stabilization. In all dogs, the manubrium was surgically exposed and cancellous bone graft was harvested. In all dogs, the surgical approach to the manubrium subjectively was judged to be easy. Additional instrumentation other than that used for ventral stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint was not needed. In all dogs, the manubrium provided sufficient cancellous bone graft to fill the ventral region of the atlantoaxial joint cavity. No intraoperative or short-term complications were observed. The manubrium provided for an acceptable donor site for autologous cancellous bone graft in dogs undergoing atlantoaxial stabilization. The manubrium may serve as an easily accessible alternative graft donor site in lieu of the proximal humerus. Future investigation into the robustness of the bone forming potential of cancellous bone from the manubrium may be warranted.