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