title: A laboratory training model using fresh sheep spines for pedicular screw fixation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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 posterior lumbar approaches. Our aim is to present a practical laboratory model using a fresh sheep lumbar spine that simulates the pedicular screw fixation in spine surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  The material consists of a fresh cadaveric spine from a 2-year-old sheep. A two-step approach was designed for posterior lumbar approaches including placement of lumbar pedicular screws.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The model simulates standard posterior lumbar pedicular screw fixation of the human spine.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The cadaveric sheep spine represents a useful method to accustom trainees of neurosurgery and spine surgery residents and simulates posterior lumbar pedicular screw fixation performed in the human spine.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Dr. Lutfi Kirdar Kartal Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. hikmets1972@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Hikmet
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Turan Suslu
authors.forename: Necati
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tatarli
authors.forename: Tufan
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hicdonmez
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Borekci
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001863:Bone Screws; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000193:education*; D012756:Sheep