Abstract
This critical review examines the several models which have been proposed to study mechanisms of acute spinal cord injury. From a physiologic point of view, each model offers particular advantages and is useful to address specific questions about the pathophysiology. From a biomechanics point of view, however, adequate simulation of clinically occurring spinal cord injuries requires control of impact parameters which are important to injury outcome, such as amount of compression and velocity of loading. A controlled contusion technique developed by the authors provides this control and results in clinically relevant experimental injury.