The AxiaLIF procedure is performed on the lowest level of the lumbar spine, the L5-S1 disc space, which is accessed through a 2 cm surgical incision adjacent to the coccyx. Roughly 1,600 AxiaLIF procedures have been performed in hospitals across the United States (Aryan, H. E. et al., 2008). A biomimetic spinal anatomical model was created that can allow medical professionals to hone their skills performing the AxiaLIF surgery. The model includes the lower spine, highlighting spinal discs L3 through S5, and gives the learner feedback ensuring that the user does not cause any surgical complications. To ensure biomimetic capabilities, materials were tested to see how their mechanical properties compared to those found in an actual patient
