Fig. 1
a Chronic cord compression was induced by surgical implantation of an expandable polymer underneath the posterior arches of C3/4. Sham surgery was conducted on controls (each experimental group n = 5). b Locomotor behaviour was assessed using open-field Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB). Spinal cord compression resulted in significant neurological deterioration within 1 week (****p < 0.0001). After 10 weeks, a laminectomy was performed and the implants removed. In the decompressed group, scores improved significantly three weeks after surgery (****p < 0.0001). Induction of SC compression also increased the number (c) forepaw and (d) hindpaw slips of rats placed on a grid as compared to controls. On the other hand, a significant reduction of forepaw and hindpaw slips was detected following surgical decompression (**p < 0.01, ****p < 0.0001)