Study design The present study involved an in vitro

examination of spinal cord interstitial pressure (CIP) during

distraction before and after durotomy in three spinal

cord segments obtained from five pigs.

Objectives To determine whether durotomy can be used

to decrease the elevated CIP associated with spinal cord

distraction.

Summary of background data Spinal cord distraction is a

known cause of spinal cord injury. Several articles

describing the pathophysiology of cord distraction injuries