High Speed Radiography Can Be Used to Measure Dynamic Spinal Cord Deformation in an in vivo Rodent Model

Spinal cord injuries are commonly studied by causing injury to in vivo rodent spinal cords and analyzing histological and behavioral results post injury. However, very few researchers have investigated the dynamic behavior of the in vivo spinal cord during impact. This information would help to define relationships between impact parameters, internal structure deformation (such as grey and white matter), and biological and functional outcomes. Many applications of this technique in the fields of SCI treatment and prevention are conceivable. The objective of this study was to develop a method of tracking the real-time internal and surface deformations of an in vivo rat spinal cord during injury.