L5-S1 Discectomy and Fusion Procedure - Medical Illustration, Human Anatomy Drawing
This stock medical exhibit depicts an L5-S1 discectomy and fusion procedure in a series of illustrations. The first two illustrations show the pre-operative condition in a mid-sagittal view of the lumbar spine. They depict edema (swelling) of the endplates, severe herniation of the L5-S1 nucleus pulposus impinging on the S1 nerve root, and stretched and irritated ligaments between the L5 and S1 vertebrae. The third illustration depicts the first step of the discectomy and fusion procedure, in which laparoscopic instruments are inserted through small incisions. The fourth illustration shows the re-herniated disc material being removed from the intervertebral space. The fifth illustration shows a drill drilling in the L5-S1 intervertebral space to prepare it for the titanium cage. The sixth illustration shows the placement of the cage into the interspace and the packing of the cage and interspace with bone graft.