• C C Cain and R D Fraser.
• Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Trauma, Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia.
• Spine. 1995 Apr 1;20(7):759-65.

Study DesignThis study analyzed the vascular and skeletal anatomy of the sheep cervical spine. It discusses the comparative anatomy of the cervical spine of sheep and humans.ObjectivesTo establish the suitability of the sheep model for studying the pathophysiology of traumatic and degenerative conditions of the cervical spine.Summary Of Background DataMany studies have attempted to evaluate the pathophysiology of spinal cord trauma, hypoxia, and variations in the local environment of the spinal cord using a variety of animal models. Few of the studies identified in an extensive literature review report or comment on the validity of these models regarding anatomy.MethodsTechniques of macro- and micro-dissection and vascular casting with latex and methylmethacrylate were employed and the anatomy of sheep was compared with that of humans.ResultsOn an anatomical basis, we found the sheep to be a suitable model for studying the pathophysiology of spinal cord trauma and disorders relative to humans.ConclusionsTo properly assess the effect of various pathological processes on the spinal cord, an anatomically valid model is required. This study established that the sheep is a suitable animal model for studies of this type.

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