Models of experimental spinal cord injury: Translational relevance and impact

To develop improved therapeutic strategies for spinal cord injury (SCI), there is a need for clinically relevant experimental models to facilitate translation of research findings into the clinic. This review describes the most common models of SCI and critically evaluates the extent to which they act as valid preclinical models of human SCI. Finally, the limitations and challenges of current preclinical models of SCI are also discussed.

Section editor:Gabriel A. Silva – Bioengineering and Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA