A new experimental model: for further investigation of the secondary changes following spinal cord injury

To investigate the pathophysiology of spinal trauma, several experimental models have been used. In this study, the authors present a new experimental model for further investigation of secondary damage following spinal injury. Nd:YAG laser irradiation was applied to the spinal cord of guinea pigs to produce an injury. A 30 Watt (20 Joule) laser produced paraparesis. The injury was evaluated with evoked potentials, lipid peroxidation values, and histopathological examination.