Evaluation of a patient-specific 3D-printed guide for ventral slot surgery in dogs: An ex vivo study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of ventral slot creation in canine cadavers with a three-dimensional (3D)-printed drill guide compared to the freehand technique. Study design: Ex vivo study. Sample population: Eight canine cadavers (23.4–39.8 kg). Methods: Computed tomography (CT) data was used to create patient-specific 3D-printed surgical guides for ventral slot creation. Intervertebral sites were randomized to undergo either a guided (n = 12) or freehand (n = 12) ventral slot by a novice surgery resident. Postoperative CT images were used to compare ventral slot dimensions, shape, and position. Results: Free-hand ventral slots were significantly shorter than the intended dimensions (p