Dynamic spine model of 2 lumbar vertebrae showing the different types of spinal stenosis

Anatomically, the model shows 2 lumbar vertebrae (L4-L5) and therefore the two most important joint types in the spinal column, which are the symphysis (disc/disc) between 2 vertebral bodies and the facet joints, which are sliding joints between the vertebrae's pivots. Overall, the bone quality is extremely good, and therefore, for example, knots and depressions in the bone tissue are clearly visible.



Degenerative changes on the model include thickened corpse. flavum (hypertrophy), subchondral sclerosis, facet joint arthropathy (incl. an osteophyte on the right upper joint pin of L5), reduced curvature (lordosis) and a significant decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc.



The model is delivered with a nerve bundle (cauda equina) in the vertebral canal.

On this model, the nerve bundle is complete because it shows a mass of loose spinal nerve roots in blue surrounded by a whitish membrane, which is also translucent (but not transparent). This visual and educational construction thus shows the accumulation of spinal nerve roots surrounded by dura mater spinalis and arachnoid mater spinalis in this region of the lower back. See also the pictures and the video on the left.



Departing from the nerve bundle, lumbar spinal nerves are seen in the same way in white through the foramen intervertebrale ("the hole between the vertebrae"). On the spinal nerves, bulges (ganglion) are seen. The nerves can be moved in relation to the rest of the model (e.g. by pulling on them) and partially compressed.

In terms of movement, the model is in a special class, just like the other models in this unique series of dynamic spine models. The model's 2 types of joints (the disc and the facet joints) can be moved in different natural ways.



The model's movements include flexion-extension, lateral-flexion, rotation and compression incl. decompression.



The combination of the nerve bundle and the different degenerative changes allows demonstration of how nerves are affected by the different types of lumbar spinal stenosis.

Clinically, the model is developed for learning about both central spinal stenosis, lateral stenosis and foraminal stenosis due to its different degenerative changes. The inserted nerve bundle (cauda equina) in the vertebral canal can be used to learn how the above can cause pressure on the cauda equina - both centrally and on individual roots laterally.



As the nerve bundle on this model is complete, it is also particularly suitable for learning about cauda equina syndrome and procedures such as lumbar puncture as well as spinal and epidural anaesthesia.



As part of our unique series of dynamic spine models, which offer an exclusive opportunity to demonstrate all the movements of the spine, the model can be applied to many aspects of spine biomechanics.



Finally, the model can also be used for learning about disc herniation. However, in this series of spine models we have models specifically developed to demonstrate this disease.