Fig. 2

A 47-year-old male patient. a Lateral radiograph of the cervical spine on the day of surgery showing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at C5-6, C6-7, and C7-T1. b Lateral radiograph at 10 h postoperatively during adult respiratory failure showing severe prevertebral swelling and cricothyrotomy. The patient had cyanosis and respiration was not responsive. Oxygen saturation was measured at 60–70%. c Lateral radiograph at 17 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