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MEDICAL ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: The spine consists of a series of interconnected bones, called vertebrae, extending from the base of the skull to the tailbone. Each vertebrae connects with the one above and below at the facet joints, allowing them to move relative to one another. In between each bony vertebra lies the shock absorbing intervertebral disk. The facet joints and intervertebral disks work together to permit the bending and twisting motions of the back and neck. Protected within the vertebral column is the spinal cord, which connects the brain to the rest of the body. Spinal nerves emanate from the spinal cord at regular intervals. The main sections of the spine are the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions. Problems that may occur in the lumbar spine include the following conditions, disk degeneration, or spondylosis, a degenerative arthritic condition that may cause loss of normal spinal structure and function, spondylolisthesis, a condition where one vertebra slips forward relative to the one next to it, osteoarthritis of the facet joints, a spinal deformity such as scoliosis, or a fractured vertebra. A doctor may recommend a posterior lumbar spinal fusion to make the spine more stable and decrease pain due to a condition, injury, or abnormal curve. To begin, the surgeon will make an incision over the lumbar spine. The outer surfaces of the bones will be removed to prepare for fusion. The surgeon will place screws into the vertebrae. Rods will be placed alongside the vertebrae and attached to the screws. The surgeon may remove small pieces of bone from the pelvis to use as bone grafts. Other times, the surgeon may choose to use donor bone from a bone bank for grafting. The surgeon will place the bone grafts along the spine to allow the vertebrae a grow together and keep the spine stable. At the end of the procedure, the skin incision will be closed with stitches.
"The Doe Report's Do-It-Yourself Exhibits program enables easy customization
of complex medical exhibits at a reasonable expense and in a timely manner.
Practically speaking, custom medical exhibits are no longer an unthinkable
luxury, but a routine necessity."
Jack S. Cohen
Levy, Angstreich, Finney, Baldante & Coren
Philadelphia, PA
"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
"[Your staff] was extremely efficient, cooperative and gracious and [their]
efforts produced a demonstrative exhibit that we used effectively throughout
our trial. The jury verdict of $3,165,000.00 was, in no small measure, due
to the impact of the demonstrative evidence. You may be sure that we will
call again."
David J. Dean
Sullivan Papain Block McGrath & Cannavo, P.C.
New York, NY
"Medical Legal Art has always performed quality and efficient work. The
doctors that review the exhibits are always amazed at the precise
descriptions and drawings."
Michael Beckman
Viles Law Firm, P.A.
Fort Meyers, FL
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.
