Fig. 9

Anterior fusion procedure with interbody cage spacer due to trauma (a and b) and degenerative disc disease (c). Sagittal T1W MR image (a) demonstrates mild magnetic susceptibility artifact produced by the metallic cage (arrow) at the C5-6 level, making it difficult to evaluate. Axial CT image (b) demonstrates optimal placement of the interbody spacer in the center of the vertebral body, as delineated by radiopaque markers (thin arrows). A posterior marker located at least 2 mm anterior to the posterior edge of the adjacent vertebral body indicates the spacer is in a good position. Lateral radiograph (c) from another patient demonstrates a stand-alone cage with self-locking plates (arrowhead) attached to the vertebral bodies to provide stability. The spacers’ purpose is to promote fusion while maintaining spine alignment and support