Objective To observed the recovery process of spinal cord motor function after the injury by compression with a water balloon from ventral aspect. Methods The model of incomplete spinal cord injury by compression with a water balloon from ventral aspect was made and the hind limb motor function was observed by using the scale of the hind limb motor function and the electrophysiological test. Results The results showed that the function of the hind limb recovered to various degrees and the recovery rate was time-dependent, the motor function of the hind limb recovered better after the first 14 days with incomplete spinal cord injury. There was no progression of the hind limb motor function with complete spinal cord injury. Conclusion The recovery mechanism of spinal cord motor function after injury is still unclear, but those who recovered to some extent within the first two weeks will have better results.