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Surgical decompression in acute spinal cord injury: A review of clinical evidence, animal model studies, and potential future directions of investigation

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Frontiers in Biology

Abstract

The goal for treatment in acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is to reduce the extent of secondary damage and facilitate neurologic regeneration and functional recovery. Although multiple studies have investigated potential new therapies for the treatment of acute SCI, outcomes and management protocols aimed at ameliorating neurologic injury in patients remain ineffective. More recent clinical and basic science research have shown surgical interventions to be a potentially valuable modality for treatment; however, the role and timing of surgical decompression, in addition to the optimal surgical intervention, remain one of the most controversial topics pertaining to surgical treatment of acute SCI. As an increasing number of potential treatment modalities emerge, animal models are pivotal for investigating its clinical application and translation into human trials. This review critically appraises the available literature for both clinical and basic science studies to highlight the extent of investigation that has occurred, specific therapies considered, and potential areas for future research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery and Goodman and Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Yiping Li, Chandler L. Walker & Xiao-Ming Xu

  2. Norton Neuroscience Institute, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA

    Yi Ping Zhang & Christopher B. Shields

Authors
  1. Yiping Li
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  2. Chandler L. Walker
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  3. Yi Ping Zhang
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  4. Christopher B. Shields
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  5. Xiao-Ming Xu
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Christopher B. Shields or Xiao-Ming Xu.

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These authors equally contributed to this work.

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Li, Y., Walker, C.L., Zhang, Y.P. et al. Surgical decompression in acute spinal cord injury: A review of clinical evidence, animal model studies, and potential future directions of investigation. Front. Biol. 9, 127–136 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11515-014-1297-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11515-014-1297-z

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