title: A novel technique to practice using a high-speed burr for spinal anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion has been a successful procedure in terms of patient satisfaction in the management of cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy. The procedure involves an anterior approach to the cervical vertebral column and decompression of the neural elements.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  A key part of the procedure is the removal of the posterior osteophyte. This is usually performed using a high-speed burr. In inexperienced hands, this part of the procedure can be a challenging one.
  
  
  METHODS
  Egg, egg cup, zinc oxide tape and high-speed burr.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We describe a simple and cost effective method of practicing this manoeuver, enabling the trainee to gain sufficient confidence in handling the tool around delicate tissues.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Woodend Hospital, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: Santosh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baliga
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Woodend Hospital, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Frost
keywords: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion; spinal surgery; surgical burr; surgical education