Laboratory training models are essential for developing and refining surgical skills
prior to clinical application of spinal surgery. A simple simulation model is needed
for young residents to learn how to handle instruments and to perform safe lumbar
approaches. Our aim is to present a practical laboratory model using a fresh sheep
lumbar spine that allows to simulate lumbar microdiscectomy in humans. The material
consists of a fresh cadaveric spine from a 2-year-old sheep. The surgical steps for
lumbar microdiscectomy were conducted under the magnification of the operating microscope.
The cadaveric sheep spine represents a useful model to train posterior lumbar microdiscectomy.
Keywords
laboratory training model - lumbar discectomy - posterior lumbar procedures - sheep
spine
