DIY Ultrasound Model: Procedure – Lumbar Puncture

This page summarizes do-it-yourself (DIY) ultrasound models for teaching the lumbar puncture. Read more on the DIY ultrasound model compendium.

A Low-Cost Ultrasound Phantom of the Lumbosacral Spine¹

Materials	Lumbar spine model, gelatin, 4 L container for the model, epoxy adhesive
Estimated Cost	Approximately $40

Summary

A lumbar spine model is secured to the bottom of a 4 liter container with epoxy. The container is then filled with gelatin, which is allowed to harden. The model may be microwaved to remove old needle tracks. I believe this model could be improved by generating synthetic skin to allow learners to mark the “skin” as they would during the actual procedure.

Versatile, Reusable, and Inexpensive Ultrasound Phantom Procedural Trainers²

Materials	Ballistics gel, latex tubing, spinal model, container for the model
Estimated Cost	Approximately $60

Summary

Latex tubing is filled with clear liquid and then vertically threaded through a spinal model. The entire apparatus is then taped to the bottom of a container, which is then filled with ballistics gel.

Updated April 23, 2019

References

1.
Bellingham GA, Peng PWH. A Low-Cost Ultrasound Phantom of the Lumbosacral Spine. Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. May 2010:290-293. doi:10.1097/aap.0b013e3181c75a76
2.
Morrow D, Cupp J, Broder J. Versatile, Reusable, and Inexpensive Ultrasound Phantom Procedural Trainers. J Ultrasound Med. 2016;35(4):831-841. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26969595.