PMMA is commonly used for vertebral stabilization. Preparation of PMMA causes an exothermic reaction posing a risk of thermal injury to the spinal cord. No studies assess the spinal canal temperature and effect of saline irrigation on feline spines following PMMA application. The purpose was to determine the spinal canal temperature increase following PMMA application on feline spines with and without cooling with saline. Twenty adult feline lumber spine (L1-L5) were incubated in 38°C +/- 1°C water. PMMA was applied over four positive-profile pins placed to mimic vertebral stabilization. Two temperature sensors were inserted inside the spinal canal. Measurements were obtained until the vertebral canal returned to normal body temperature. For ten spines, continuous saline irrigation was delivered at 15 mL/min from the time of application. Saline irrigation resulted in a lower peak vertebral canal temperature (mean 55.2℃) than without (mean 67.45°C, p<0.001). Duration of temperatures above 50°C was shorter with irrigation (mean 6.52 min) than without (mean 17.01 min, p<0.001). Time for return to normal body temperature was faster for the saline group (mean 19.75) than without saline (mean 33.88 min, p<0.001). Spinal canal temperature without saline irrigation increased beyond the tissue necrosis threshold. Continuous saline irrigation decreased the peak vertebral canal temperature, duration over 50°C, and time to return. Limitations included the cadaveric nature of the study and small sample size. Continuous saline irrigation should be used to reduce vertebral canal temperature following PMMA application.
