Dynamic spine model of 2 lumbar vertebrae showing a herniated disc. Standard model

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.



On this model, a simple nerve bundle is inserted into the spinal canal. It is cast in yellow rubber, and gives the impression of several nerves sitting together. It is a simple way of showing the cauda equina (the collection of spinal nerve roots surrounded by the dura mater spinalis and arachnoid mater spinalis in this region of the lower back). Departing from the nerve bundle, simple lumbar spinal nerves are seen in the same way in yellow through the foramen intervertebrale ("the hole between the vertebrae").



The model has been developed with a tear in the intervertebral disc, which can be used to demonstrate a herniated disc - read more below.

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 model has been developed with a tear in the dynamic band disc (discus intervertebralis). If you compress the model, you can realistically demonstrate a herniated disc, where red material bulges out into the spinal canal and affects the nerve bundle (see the pictures and the video on the left). This corresponds to a pouching out of the gel-like disc core, which breaks through the disc's connective tissue ring backwards towards the spinal canal and its contents.



If, on the other hand, you simply perform flexion-extension and lateral flexion on the model without compressing it, you can also demonstrate how the disc's connective tissue ring can affect both the nerve bundle in the vertebral canal and the spinal nerves without the disc core breaking through the connective tissue ring (i.e. protrusion ).

Clinically speaking, the model has been developed for learning about disc herniation in the lower back, which is the most frequent seat for disc herniation. The model is both ideal for demonstrating disc herniations, where the gel-like disc core breaks through the disc's connective tissue ring, as well as protrusion, where the disc's connective tissue ring remains intact but affects nerves.



Although the nerve bundle in the spinal canal on this model is simple, it can also be used for learning about cauda equina syndrome and procedures such as lumbar puncture and spinal and epidural anesthesia.



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 other degenerative changes such as spinal stenosis and facet joint osteoarthritis. However, in this series of spine models, we have spine models that have been specifically developed to demonstrate the characteristics of these diseases.