C4-5 and C5-6 Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion - Medical Illustration, Human Anatomy Drawing
This stock medical exhibit depicts a C4-5 and C5-6 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedure. The first illustration is a sagittal view of the cervical spine showing the pre-operative condition. There are labels indicating disc protrusions at C4-5 and C5-6 with a torn posterior longitudinal ligament and significant instability. Also shown is a previous fusion at C6-7 with hardware in place. There are four steps of the operative procedure illustrated beginning with the opening of the previous incision to expose the cervical vertebrae. Next shows the removal of C4-5 and C5-6 discs along with removal of the old hardware. Then using a high speed drill, the vertebral bodies of C4-5 and C5-6 are drilled down in preparation for the grafts. Finally fibular allografts are placed in the empty disc spaces and secured with a new plate and multiple screws.