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MEDICAL ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: If you have a condition in your neck that puts pressure on your spinal cord or spinal nerves your doctor may recommend a cervical disc replacement. The spine in your neck, also called the cervical spine, has seven bones called vertebrae. The front part of each vertebra is called the vertebral body, except for the first vertebra. Between most vertebrate is a soft cushion of cartilage called an intervertebral disc. The back part of each vertebra has a curved section called the vertebral arch. Except for the first vertebra each vertebral arch has a bony projection called the spinous process. On each side of the spinous process is a flat piece of bone called a lamina. The vertebral arch of the vertebra surrounds and protects your spinal cord, a column of nervous tissue connecting your brain to other nerves in your body. Your spinal cord passes through an enclosed space called the vertebral canal, which is formed by the vertebral arches of your vertebrae. Over time your cervical spine may develop problems, such as a shrinking disk, a herniated, or ruptured a disk, or bony growths on your vertebrae called bone spurs. These changes can narrow your vertebral canal and put pressure on your spinal cord or the nerves that branch off of it. The pressure can cause neck pain and stiffness, or pain, numbness, and weakness in your arms or hands. Before your procedure an intravenous line, or IV, will be started. You may be given antibiotics through the IV to decrease your chance of infection. You will be given general anesthesia to make you unconscious and pain-free during the procedure. A breathing tube will be inserted through your mouth and down your throat to help you breathe during the operation. Your surgeon will make an incision on your neck. The part of your cervical spine containing the damaged disc will be exposed. Your surgeon will remove the entire damaged disc. Then your surgeon will remove any bones spurs. The vertebral bodies above and below the removed disc will be trimmed to allow placement of an artificial disc. Finally your surgeon will insert the artificial disc, which may be held in place with screws. The artificial disc is designed to preserve normal motion at this level of your spine. Your skin incision may be closed with skin glue or skin closure tape. After your procedure your breathing tube will be removed. And you will be taken to the recovery area for monitoring. You'll be given pain medication as needed. You may be released from the hospital within one to two days after your procedure.
"Medical illustrations are essential during trial for any medical malpractice case. The people at MLA have the uncanny ability of creating medical illustrations that simplify the most complex of medical concepts and human anatomy to a lay audience. The exhibits of MLA allow experts to easily describe complex concepts and human anatomy in a manner that could
not be done otherwise.
In addition, their custom illustrations show in great detail the extent of
injuries suffered and the devastating effects they have had on the client's
anatomy. These custom illustration can show, side by side, the body before
and after a catastrophic injury. The effect of this juxtaposition is
unmatched by any testimony that can be adduced at the time of trial.
Even jurors after trial have commented on the ease with which they grasp
medical concepts and anatomy once the MLA exhibits were introduced and
used by my experts. Even judges who have "seen it all" are thoroughly
impressed by the detail and sophistication of the illustrations.
"It is my experience that it's much more effective to show a jury what
happened than simply to tell a jury what happened. In this day and age where
people are used to getting information visually, through television and
other visual media, I would be at a disadvantage using only words.
I teach a Litigation Process class at the University of Baltimore Law Schooland use [Medical Legal Art's] animation in my class. Students always saythat they never really understood what happened to [to my client] until theysaw the animation.
Animations are powerful communication tools that should be used wheneverpossible to persuade juries."
Andrew G. Slutkin Snyder Slutkin & Kopec Baltimore, MD
"I just wanted to let you know that after several days on trial, I settled
[my client's] construction accident case for $4.5 million. Immediately after
the jury was discharged, I spoke with several jurors who told me that they
really appreciated the medical illustrations for their clarity in dealing
with [my client's] devastating injuries. They also expressed their gratitude
in being able to read from a distance all of the notations without
difficulty. Obviously, the boards were visually persuasive. I am certain
that this contributed to our successful result."
Michael Gunzburg, Esq.
Attorney at Law.
New York, NY
"You and your company are wonderful. Your service, turnaround time, quality
and price were better than I could have asked for. Please add me to your
long list of satisfied customers."
Robert F. Linton, Jr.
Linton & Hirshman
Cleveland, OH
Medical Legal Art creates medical demonstrative evidence (medical
illustrations, drawings, pictures, graphics, charts, medical animations,
anatomical models, and interactive presentations) for use during legal
proceedings, including research, demand letters, client conferences,
depositions, arbitrations, mediations, settlement conferences, mock jury
trials and for use in the courtroom. We do not provide legal or medical
advice. If you have legal questions, you should find a lawyer with whom you
can discuss your case issues. If you have medical questions, you should seek the advice of a healthcare provider.