"A Pain in The Neck"
Drawings of Spinal Procedures used in my Book Outline
"A Pain in The Neck"
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I have learned a lot during my journey since my first cervical operation and the resulting pain. I wish I had been better informed prior to my surgery. This site is to help you become more informed about your surgery. In addition, to the Spinal Drawings I have a Spinal Dictionary Page for anyone with a herniated/bulging disc and needing spine surgery with links related to the Spine(see below). I hope when you leave you will be more informed. |
This Page Contains the Following:
Part 1. Drawings of ANTERIOR CERVICAL without FUSION.
Part 2. Drawings of ANTERIOR CERVICAL with FUSION.
3.Drawings of ANTERIOR CERVICAL FUSION with CERVICAL PLATE.
Part 4. MRI showing HERNIATED DISK.
Part 5. Drawing of ANTERIOR CERVICAL DISCECTOMY.
Part 6. CERVICAL BRACES & COLLARS.
Part 1. ANTERIOR CERVICAL WITHOUT FUSION
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(Fig.2)Surgery for Anterior Cervical Fusion is performed with the patient lying on his back. A small incision is made in the front of the neck.
(Fig.3)After a retractor is used to pull aside fat and muscle, the disc is exposed between the vertebrae. Part of it is removed with a forceps.
(Fig. 4) Then a surgical drill is used to enlarge the disc space (making it easier for the surgeon to empty the intervertebral space fully and remove any bone spurs. Afterwards, only a single ligament separates the surgical instruments from the spinal cord and nerve roots.
(Fig. 7)The operation is completed when the neck incision is closed in several layers. Unless dissolving suture material is used, the skin sutures (stitches) or staples will have to be removed after the incision has healed.
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Part 2. ANTERIOR CERVICAL WITH FUSION
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(Fig.2)Surgery for Anterior Cervical Fusion is performed with the patient lying on his back. A small incision is made in the front of the neck.
(Fig.3)After a retractor is used to pull aside fat and muscle, the disc is exposed between the vertebrae. Part of it is removed with a forceps.
(Fig. 4) Then a surgical drill is used to enlarge the disc space (making it easier for the surgeon to empty the intervertebral space fully and remove any bone spurs. Afterwards, only a single ligament separates the surgical instruments from the spinal cord and nerve roots.
(Fig. 5)The bone graft is placed in the disc space, where it will begin to fuse the vertebrae it lies between.
(Fig. 7)The operation is completed when the neck incision is closed in several layers. Unless dissolving suture material is used, the skin sutures (stitches) or staples will have to be removed after the incision has healed.
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Part 3. ANTERIOR CERVICAL FUSION WITH CERVICAL PLATE
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(Fig.2)Surgery for Anterior Cervical Fusion is performed with the patient lying on his back. A small incision is made in the front of the neck.
(Fig.3)After a retractor is used to pull aside fat and muscle, the disc is exposed between the vertebrae. Part of it is removed with a forceps.
(Fig. 4) Then a surgical drill is used to enlarge the disc space (making it easier for the surgeon to empty the intervertebral space fully and remove any bone spurs. Afterwards, only a single ligament separates the surgical instruments from the spinal cord and nerve roots.
(Fig. 5)The bone graft is placed in the disc space, where it will begin to fuse the vertebrae it lies between.
(Fig. 6)In fusion, your doctor joins (fuses) the vertebrae above and below the removed disk. Fusion is done with a bone graft, but occasionally metal plates are added. Metal plates add stability to the cervical spine and aid in the healing process.
(Fig. 7)The operation is completed when the neck incision is closed in several layers. Unless dissolving suture material is used, the skin sutures (stitches) or staples will have to be removed after the incision has healed.
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Part 4. MRI showing HERNIATED DISK
Part 5. ANTERIOR CERVICAL DISCECTOMY
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(Fig. 3)The Surgery Incision for anterior cervical discectomy is performed with the patient lying on his or her back. A small incision is made in the front of the neck.
(Fig. 4)A retractor pulls aside fat and muscle, the disc is exposed between the vertebrae. An operating microscope may be used as part of the herniated disc is removed with a forcep
(Fig. 5)Specialized instruments or a surgical drill may be used to enlarge the disc space. This will help the surgeon to empty the disc space fully and relieve any pressure on the nerve or spinal cord from bone spurs or the ruptured disc.
(Fig. 6)If your surgeon has chosen to use a bone graft, it will be placed in the disc space to help fuse the vertebrae it lies between. Any of several graft shapes may be used.
The operation is completed when the neck incision is closed in several layers (Fig. 7). Unless dissolving suture material is used, the skin sutures (stitches) or staples will have to be removed after the incision has healed.
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Part 6. Cervical Braces & Collars
1. Philadelphia Collar
2. Aspen Collar
3. Two Poster Cervical Brace
My Book Outline Pt2.
Spinal Dictionary
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