Mouse Headpost Implantation: A Method for Head Fixation in Rodents

On an anesthetized mouse whose head is shaved and prepared for surgery, make a length-wise incision to expose the skull. Next, gently remove the periosteum membrane to expose the surface of the skull. This will help the cement adhere better to the bone.

Apply activator to increase bone permeability. Then, in the area between the lambda and bregma landmarks of the skull, apply freshly mixed cement. Slide the headpost from lambda to bregma and apply more cement to ensure it is securely fixed.

Once the cement is completely dry, apply freshly mixed resin on top of the cement and around the headpost. Once the resin is dry, close the cut by suturing the skin.