Stages of Disc Prolapse and Vertebral Degeneration

This model illustrates degenerative changes to the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine to varying degrees. Cast from an original human lumbar spine, it reproduces even the finest bone structures accurately. From top to bottom it shows: a healthy intervertebral disc and lumbar vertebra (L1); a disc with protrusion and a vertebra (L2) with early degenerative changes; a disc with medial prolapse and a vertebra (L3) with advanced changes; a disc with intraforaminal prolapse on the right and a vertebra (L4) with strong changes and bony constriction of the left intervertebral foramen; and an extremely narrowed disc with a vertebra (L5) with strong degenerative changes and bony constriction pressing on the left L5 spinal nerve root. The model can be disassembled into individual vertebrae and discs. Supplied on a base.