By: KIOPSI Blog Team
Date: February 1, 2023
As the cost and complexity of traditional cadaver use in medical education continue to rise, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has introduced a forward-thinking alternative: a “Green Spine Lab” that utilizes 3D printed synthetic cadavers.
Spearheaded by Dr. Glenn Pait and Dr. Noojan Kazemi, this innovative lab gives neurosurgery residents at UAMS the opportunity to perform real procedures on lifelike models. These synthetic specimens, produced by SurgiSTUD (Surgical Training Utility Devices), replicate the texture, structure, and responsiveness of real human tissues—including skin, bone, and even dura mater.
Unlike traditional cadavers, the 3D printed models are easy to store, require no refrigeration, and eliminate concerns around preservation, transport, and disposal. Financially, they offer a $2,000–$3,000 cost reduction per unit and can even be reused with replaceable anatomical parts.
The UAMS initiative also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. By minimizing biohazard waste and reducing carbon footprint, the Green Spine Lab is part of a broader effort to align medical innovation with environmental responsibility.
More than just a cost-saving measure, the project represents a paradigm shift in surgical education. Residents not only performed dissection and dura repair on synthetic lumbar spines but also practiced placing spinal instrumentation such as pedicle screws and rods—all while receiving real-time imaging support and structured lectures.
Feedback from participants was unanimously positive, highlighting improved surgical confidence and anatomical understanding—especially among junior residents.
At KIOPSI, we believe initiatives like this one are paving the way for accessible, ethical, and scalable medical training solutions. As 3D printing continues to evolve, it’s time for institutions around the world to explore similar green pathways in medical education
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