MRI of cervical herniated disc

Description: MRI images tend to be difficult for lay audiences to interpret, especially when the relevant areas are small and/or blend in with the rest of the anatomy. This image is meant to help patients understand their own MRI imaging results by incorporating illustrative elements. The herniated disc, associated vertebrae, and spinal canal are called out with colour and extra contrast to draw the audience’s attention to the anatomical structures relevant to their condition. Both the vertebral body and spine of the misaligned C4 vertebra are called out as one structure, which is often not clear when viewing an MRI image alone. The herniated disc is also given extra detail so the audience can see how the misaligned vertebra is compressing it, resulting in the herniation which interferes with the spinal cord. 

Media: Raster (Adobe Photoshop), 3D (Maxon Cinema4D)

References: 
Haines, D. E. (2015). Neuroanatomy in Clinical Context: An Atlas of Structures, Systems, and Syndromes. 9th ed. Wolters Kluwer. (306).
Rohen, J.W., Yokochi, C., Lütjen-Drecoll, E. (2011). Color Atlas of Anatomy: A Photographic Study of the Human Body, 7th ed. Wolters Kluwer, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. (89).