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 < .01). Dimensions of the guide‐assisted ventral slots were not statistically different from the planned dimensions ( p = .88, p = .72). Use of the guides resulted in improved accuracy for ventral slot positioning relative to midline and slot shape (difference in coefficient of variations, 32%, and 40%, respectively). Conclusion Ventral slot dimensions were more accurate when created with the patient‐specific 3D‐printed guide compared to the freehand technique. Clinical significance Use of a 3D‐printed patient specific surgical guide improves accuracy of ventral slot creation in canine cadavers and improves surgical precision when used by a single novice surgical resident. The results of this study support evaluation of the guides in small breed cadavers and live patients.