A method of quantitating injury inflicted in acute spinal cord studies

Spinal cord trauma was induced in cats and Rhesus monkeys using an improved method which allows for accurate quantitation of the force delivered. The materials and methods described consist of a weight which is dropped down a centre shaft on to a strain gauge arch assembly which transfers the force to a teflon impounder resting on the exposed dura of the cord. The force transferred from the weight to the impounder is recorded by the strain gauge and thr force curve can be displayed on a storage oscilloscope. The force delivered to the cord can thus be photographed and quantitated. The construction of the strain gauge assembly and the application of the apparatus are discussed.