Spinal Cord Injury in the Mouse Using the Infinite Horizon Spinal Cord Impactor

Death of central nervous system neurons is a critical feature of spinal cord injury (SCI). The Infinite Horizon spinal cord impactor can be used to create both contusion and compression SCI, with a high degree of reproducibility. The device can also be positioned at different locations along the spinal cord to evaluate how the location of injury may alter neuronal death and functional recovery. A mouse with a successful SCI can experience a period of loss of bladder function, weight loss, and paralysis of the hind limbs, with more severe injuries resulting in further deficits. This chapter describes the surgical protocol along with pre- and postoperative care, as well as mitigation strategies for any setbacks that might occur.