Modern materials for implants used in the treatment of dogs with Wobbler syndrome

Wobbler's syndrome or caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy is a disease of the cervical spine in dogs of large and giant breeds, characterized by dynamic or static compression of the cervical spinal cord and nerve roots, which leads to neurological deficits and neck pain. Currently, there are many materials for the manufacture of various implants, as well as prosthetic discs, which are successfully used in the treatment of dogs with Wobbler syndrome, but veterinary neurologists have certain dissatisfaction with the results of surgical treatment, as a result of which a number of postoperative complications are noted. This makes it necessary to use new materials for the manufacture of implants. Currently, the vast majority of veterinary specialists use only titanium and stainless steel alloys (304V and 316LVM) as a material for cages, screws and plates. However, a number of shortcomings of these materials indicate the need for a search new innovative materials with improved characteristics. Currently, the materials used for the manufacture of implants in human medicine are of great interest, but have not yet found application in veterinary medicine (with the exception of stainless steel and titanium alloys). Among such materials are polyether etherketone (PEEK), carbon fiber reinforced polyether etherketone (CFR-PEEK), cobalt-chromium alloys, nitinol, tantalum. The article reflects the characteristics of these materials for the manufacture of implants, their advantages and disadvantages.