Microsurgical approach to the spinal canal in rats.
The spinal cord of the rat has become a widely used model for biodynamic, pharmaceutical and neurological experiments. However, no standard procedure to approach the spinal cord in rats has been published in detail. We present a description of a dorsal approach to the spine, spinal canal and myelon of the rat. This approach provides sufficient exposure of the neural structures to perform extended microsurgery at the spinal nerve-roots, the lateral and dorsal myelon and vertebral structures under a surgical microscope. Perioperative management, anaesthesia and anatomical landmarks are discussed and common pitfalls are described.
Gierthmuehlen
Mortimer
M
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Strasse 64, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany. mortimer.gierthmuehlen@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Freiman
Thomas M
TM
Elverfeldt
Dominik
D
Kaminsky
Jan
J
D000818:Animals; D002420:Cauda Equina / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013045:Species Specificity; D013115:Spinal Canal / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D013131:Spine / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013536:Suture Techniques