Abstract
We developed a new rat model of vertebra body and spinal cord shortening at the thoracic level. It was designed for future application to treat chronic patients with complete paralysis after spinal cord injury. Although the model is not complete yet, we report the results up to the present. Thirteen-to sixteen-week-old Wistar rats were used. The spinal cord at the Th8 vertebra body was cut and removed after which the Th8 vertebra body was removed. Mini screws were inserted into the Th6 and Th10 pedicles and the spinal cords were drawn using the thread around the screws until both ends joined. At first, the rats did not survive for a long period. However, improvement of the surgical technique and post-operation care have now enabled most rats to survive for more than two months after surgery. One rat showed BBB score of 5 after surgery. Histological examination showed scar formation in the gap between the spinal cord ends.
