Figure 1

Photograph of a rat with a Nitinol wire attached to the spine along the concavity. Fixation was achieved by boring two holes through the spinous processes. Stainless-steel wires were passed through the holes and Nitinol wire rod was placed over the wires. The wires were then tightened at each point to ensure stabilization of the rod against the dorsal aspect of the spinal column. It is very important not to tighten the wires so much that necessary movement becomes impossible.