Sawbones

Sawbones has been the premium place to go for anatomical models. We used many different versions of their spine models for prototype testing, simulations as well as displays. Almost everyone in R&D had one or more of their models on their desk to help visualize the real anatomy. Individual vertebra are great for training to give people the ability to really see what the bone looks like they are working on.

They have radio-opaque models where are great for use under a c-arm.

The multi-segment models were good to look at how the spine fits together. They say they are all taken from CAT scans but seems like a small person was used for the model.

The down side was the delivery times. Many times they were out of stock and took a bit of time to receive the order. They were also a bit more expensive then some alternatives but they were of higher quality.

Their composite bones were a bit disappointing. The red foam in the center was super soft and the ones with the cortical shell were too hard. Don't think the cortical bone will be good to use as a test bed. They were of a plastic which did not act like bone.

Their biomechanical test blocks are great to try out different tools and see how they work in various density foam. Not perfect compared to working in bone but pretty good.

One thing to note, expect possible long lead times. We have had to wait for just about everything at one time or another, especially the test blocks. The composite bones were not cheap.

Strengths: Very high quality products. Large selection not only different anatomies, but also of materials and combinations of different materials.

Able to handle complex custom models.

Been in business for a long time so they know the market.

Needs to improve: Pricier than competition Potential long lead times Expensive and not the best for simple custom models of others have the same capibility

Sawbones is a great company to deal with and the breadth of their product line is vastly under-represented by their catalog or even their website.

Strengths: While there is at least one competitor (worldwide) that offers urethane foams for mechanical testing of medical devices, Sawbones has more options and better customer support (open early, close late despite being all the way on the west coast. Their engineering support staff can give you mechanical specifications for their products and they can custom build test foams to whatever spec you can dream up.

Needs to improve: Their trainers and joint models are functional, but not particularly biofidelic. If you want to feel like you are actually performing the operation using a model, better to go with a custom shop, like Chamberlin Group.

It may be helpful to first look at the website and get a good idea of what you are looking for, but it will likely be very helpful to call in and discuss your application with customer service or a technical person.

Strengths: Great product quality and selection in terms of both materials offered as well as varieties of bones and shapes of materials. Customer service has been very good in my experience including responsiveness and ease of the return process I had to use once. Customer service is generally knowledgeable about the specifics of the materials.

Needs to improve: Website is somewhat difficult to navigate and obtain detailed information from--part descriptions lack necessary detail to help one select between different materials etc.

A great source to find lab supplies and equipment. Wide selection of materials and equipment needed for our job. Customer service has also been helpful in placing orders and exchanging defective products. From time of order to actual delivery is fairly quick. Overall this company is very professional and they have pretty much everything you need for product and process development perspective.

Strengths: High quality lab equipment

Needs to improve: Non

I highly recommend Sawbones from Pacific Research Laboratories.

Strengths: Sawbones are the most popular simulated bone material. They are the perfect tool to demonstrate you medical device, be it spine, femur, shoulder, etc. They have a model for almost every bone and if not they are great at custom products. They are a little pricey but they are the best at what they do.

Needs to improve: The items are a little expensive.

5. Customer service has been excellent whenever I have contacted them. The parts were ordered with no difficulties.

Strengths: Perfect maker of sawbones to simulate actual bones. The items are a little expensive.

Needs to improve: Website is somewhat difficult to navigate .

Highly recommend.

Strengths: Perfect maker of sawbones to simulate actual bones.

Needs to improve: None