Joint and Ligament Models

NS-prefixed models (SOMSO's general anatomy line) are built for anatomical display and functional demonstration — showing ligaments, capsules, and movement mechanics. CLA/TS-prefixed models (like the arthroscopy trainers) are procedural — a soft cutaneous/muscular sleeve embedding the joint bones so students or residents can practice arthroscopic technique. They serve different teaching goals, so don't substitute one for the other based on price alone.

Yes — the functional line is built specifically to demonstrate range of motion (flexion, extension, rotation) through the joint's actual mechanics, not just to display the ligaments and bones in a fixed position. If your course emphasizes biomechanics or PT-style movement teaching over static landmark ID, the functional models are the better fit.

This depends on construction — models with distinct removable ligament/capsule components (like the QS 55/7 shoulder joint, which separates into 12 parts) are more likely to have individually replaceable pieces than single-cast functional models. Send us the model number, which component failed and a few pictures on our Assessment form here, and we'll check what's separately available.

The QS 55/7 is a traditional SOMSO-Plast anatomical model emphasizing the rotator cuff, capsule, and ligaments in a hand-finished cast. The EZ15 is a 3D-printed reproduction of an actual dissected specimen (deep dissection of a right shoulder girdle), which gives a more literal "this is what a real dissection looks like" reference rather than an idealized teaching model. Programs sometimes stock one of each for different purposes — idealized teaching vs. realistic dissection reference.

Yes — since these are designed to be repeatedly "operated on" through a soft-tissue sleeve, the sleeve and surrounding soft material are the components most likely to need replacement over time with heavy residency or CE-course use. Ask us about replacement sleeve availability before assuming the whole model needs replacing.

Yes — we regularly combine joint, ligament, and muscular system items from different manufacturers (SOMSO, 3B Scientific, Erler-Zimmer) into a single institutional quote so a full musculoskeletal lab order ships together under one PO.

3D-printed specimen lines are typically produced on a different schedule than SOMSO's cast models, and can run longer for less-common specimens. If you're working against a semester or funding deadline, confirm current lead times on the specific manufacturer/model rather than assuming it matches other items in your order.

Yes — we offer repair and support for SOMSO anatomical models. If a ligament, capsule, movable component, or mounting has failed on a model already in your inventory, contact us for an assessment before assuming full replacement is necessary; in many cases a specific component can be repaired or replaced rather than the whole model.

Yes — some programs order both a functional knee model (for movement demonstration) and a fixed anatomical knee model with ligaments and menisci clearly displayed (for landmark identification and testing), since the two serve different instructional purposes. We can quote both together.

Model numbers are usually stamped on the base or mounting stand (NS-, QS-, CLA/TS-, or EZ-prefixed). If the label is missing, send us photos showing the joint region, whether it's fixed or movable, and whether ligaments/muscles/menisci are visible, and we can help narrow it to the matching model number.