Issue release date: 08.03.2024

Turkish Neurosurgery 2012 , Vol 22 , Num 6
A Practical Laboratory Study Simulating the Percutaneous Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Injection: Training Model in Fresh Cadaveric Sheep Spine
Husnu SUSLU
Dr. Lutfi Kirdar Kartal Education and Research Hospital, Department of Algology, Istanbul, Turkey DOI : 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.5899-12.2 AIM: Laboratory training models are essential for developing and refining treatment skills before the clinical application of surgical and invasive procedures. A simple simulation model is needed for young trainees to learn how to handle instruments, and to perform safe lumbar transforaminal epidural injections. Our aim is to present a model of a fresh cadaveric sheep lumbar spine that simulates the lumbar transforaminal epidural injection.

MATERIAL and METHODS: The material consists of a 2-year-old fresh cadaveric sheep spine. A 4-step approach was designed for lumbar transforaminal epidural injection under C-arm scopy. Results: For the lumbar transforaminal epidural injection, the fluoroscope was adjusted to get a proper oblique view while the material was stabilized in a prone position. The procedure then begin, using the C-arm guidance scopy.

CONCLUSION: The model simulates well the steps of standard lumbar transforaminal epidural injections in the human spine. The cadaveric sheep spine represents a good method for training and it simulates fluoroscopic lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection procedures performed in the human spine. Keywords : Cadaver dissection, Lumbar spine, Sheep spine, Transforaminal, Training model

Corresponding author : Husnu Suslu, husnususlu@yahoo.com