OBJECTIVE: To develop and test a model of the human lumbar vertebra for training transpedicular puncture in percutaneous vertebroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty lumbar vertebra models were constructed from methacrylate, plaster and ethyl-vinyl-acetate, using a rubber mold of human vertebrae. The intervertebral discs were made of silicone to provide anatomical similarity and fusion of five vertebrae. This model of spinal column segment was positioned within a manikin with an ethyl-vinyl-acetate lining so that direct visualization was not possible. A theoretical course was given to six trainees in radiology and neuroradiology who have tested the models with respect to parameters of similarity with the reality, performing 30 transpedicular punctures in three series of ten punctures a day, with one-week interval between the series. RESULTS: Each student performed 30 transpedicular punctures; however, eight of these punctures were disregarded because of manufacturing defects of the dummies observed during the procedures. Similarity data forms were filled in by all of the trainees following the procedures, with 100% of positive answers as regards the models similarity with the human body. CONCLUSION: It was possible to develop a training model for transpedicular puncture with a satisfactory degree of similarity with the human body, constituting an appropriate tool for training in vertebroplasty.

Keywords: Spine, Puncture, Learning, Manikin, Vertebroplasty

OBJECTIVE: To develop a simulator for training In fluoroscopy-guided facet joint Injections and to evaluate the learning curve for this procedure among radiology residents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a human lumbar spine as a model, we manufactured five lumbar vertebrae made of methacrylate and plaster. These vertebrae were assembled in order to create an anatomical model of the lumbar spine. We used a silicon casing to simulate the paravertebral muscles. The model was placed into the trunk of a plastic mannequin. From a group of radiology residents, we recruited 12 volunteers. During simulation-based training sessions, each student carried out 16 lumbar facet injections. We used three parameters to assess the learning curves: procedure time; fluoroscopy time; and quality of the procedure, as defined by the positioning of the needle. RESULTS: During the training, the learning curves of all the students showed improvement in terms of the procedure and fluoroscopy times. The quality of the procedure parameter also showed improvement, as evidenced by a decrease in the number of inappropriate injections. CONCLUSION: We present a simple, inexpensive simulation model for training in facet joint injections. The learning curves of our trainees using the simulator showed improvement in all of the parameters assessed.

Keywords: Zygapophyseal joint; Injections, intra-articular; Injections, spinal; Learning curve; Models, anatomic; Radiology, interventional.