Fig. 1

A 67-year-old female patient. a Lateral plain radiograph of the cervical spine on the day of operation showing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at C5-6. b Lateral radiograph 12 h postoperatively during acute respiratory failure showing severe prevertebral swelling. c Lateral radiograph at 10 days postoperatively showing decreased prevertebral swelling. The patient was discharged without complications. d Lateral radiograph at the 12-month follow-up showing no prevertebral swelling