Table 1.

Pros and cons of surgical models. Differences in surgical models allow researchers to choose the surgical model to best study their goals.

Injury Model	Pros	Cons	Clinical Correlates
Compression
Balloon Spring-loaded clip Modified forceps Static weight	Control of time of application Control of force of application Useful to assess decompression time Inexpensive	Decompression occurs much earlier than in clinical settings Extensive lamina removal causing extensive decompression	Intervertebral disc burst injury Determine optimal decompression time
Computer-controlled impactor contusion
MASCIC OSU Infinite Horizon PinPoint	Reproducible lesions Useful to assess demyelination and axon sparing Considered most clinically relevant model	Expensive	Considered most clinically relevant model
Transection
Dorsal hemisection Dorsal quadrant Lateral hemisection Dorsal column	Useful to assess axonal regeneration Inexpensive	Considered less clinically relevant	Stab or shooting injury Brown-Sequard syndrome