Anterior C5-6 Discectomy and Interbody Fusion - Medical Illustration, Human Anatomy Drawing
This series of medical illustrations depicts a cervical spine injury and resulting anterior C5-6 discectomy and interbody fusion surgery. The pre-operative condition includes C3-4 vertebral spondylosis and C5-6 central and left sided disc herniation with compromise of the C6 nerve root. An image of compression of the spinal cord is also featured. The surgical procedure begins with a transverse incision in the neck, exposing the cervical vertebrae. C5-6 disc material is removed to decompress the neural elements. The endplates and anterior lips of adjacent vertebral bodies are drilled away with a bone drill to expose subchondral bone. Fibular bone graft is positioned between the vertebrae for fusion.