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<br />Developed radiographs were examined for abnormalities to the spine or <br />associated bones. Spinal damage was described and severity classified using the <br />criteria of Reynolds (1996): <br />o ---- no spinal damage apparent, <br />1 ---- compression (distortion) of vertebrae only, <br />2 ---- misalignment of vertebrae, including compression, <br />3 ---- fracture of one or more vertebrae or complete separation of two or more <br />vertebrae. <br />Radiographs were closely examined to determine if abnormal vertebrae were acutely <br />injured by the ISMP electrofishing event. Acute vertebral injuries were distinguished <br />from previous, healed vertebral injuries based on the architecture (size, shape, margin <br />smoothness, and radiographic density) of injured vertebrae compared to adjacent <br />uninjured vertebrae. Compressed vertebrae caused by the most recent ISMP <br />electrofishing event (acute injuries) had irregular margins and a greater diameter and <br />density than adjacent vertebrae. Compressed vertebrae of congenital or chronic <br />(previous) origin had features characteristic of healing and regrowth including a smooth <br />marginal surface and a diameter and density similar to proximal uninjured vertebrae. <br />Based on radiographs only, it was not possible to distinguish between chronic and <br />congenital injuries. <br />Location of abnormal vertebrae was identified by counting from the atlas <br />(1st vertebra) and if the atlas was not clearly visible then the count started from the first <br />pleural vertebra with an attached ventral rib (4th vertebra). Identification and counts of <br />some vertebrae were assisted by locating attached neural spines or pleural ribs that <br />7 <br />