NLShan Human Anatomical Lumbar Disc Herniation Model, Portable Herniated Lumbar Vertebrae Disc, 1.5 Times Life Size Lumbar Spine Model for Teaching, Learning and Demonstrating

Exactly what I needed for patient education.

I had back surgery in 2021, and even though I was quite familiar with the description of the surgery step-by-step, I had never really stopped to think what it might have looked like other than just understanding the surgeons description of what was wrong and to fix it. When I saw this piece ordered it as I was very interested in learning exactly what I had done (lumbar fusion) and how it impacted how my spine now works. This is a very detailed piece of display equipment, and it has been very interesting to hold it, move it, and manipulate it, and to see how that movement can affect the disk between the vertebrae (represented by the red squishy piece between the vertebrae).

I knew by looking at this online it wasn't exactly as would be if you observed a Cadevar herniated disc but the elementary school kids aren't concerned about exactness. This is decently designed and constructed. This model does a great job of showing folks what a herniated lumbar vertebrate disc looks like. The kids understood what was wrong and were concerned about how much pain this would cause. I have many anatomical models and find that elementary kids are fascinated with the human body. I hope it stimulates kids to continue learning and go on to college to study the field of science.

Whenever I review MRI results with my patients, I always pull up their actual MRI on the screen to show them their disc herniations or disc bulges. While this tends to be sufficient for many patient, some patient still have a hard time grasping the 2D screen image and how it applies to them. I got this model just for that purpose.As others have said, the actual proportions are exaggerated. The disc is not that thick. But the concept is good. Press lightly and you can show disc bulges. Press hard and a lateral disc herniation/protrusion can be illustrated. And it shows exactly how the disc ends up hitting the nerve root.The biggest down side is that I wish it include a bottom set of nerve roots to keep the spinal cord in place. As it is, it's only the middle set of nerve roots that prevents the spinal cord from slipping upwards outside the model.Overall, great model to help patients understand their back conditions.

great for students learning