Ranges values used for intervertebral disk spaces and vertebrae

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The space between two vertebrae is the intervertebral space. Use a hyphen to express this space. It is not necessary to repeat the letter designating the spinal section (C, T or L) but it may be used if dictated.

D: The C1 C2 disk space has a 5 mm lateral bulge.
T: The C1-C2? disk space has a 5 mm lateral bulge.

D: The C1 2 disk space has a 5 mm lateral bulge.
T: The C1-2 disk space has a 5 mm lateral bulge.

When the dictated range expresses nonadjacent vertebrae and the word through is used, do not hyphenate the range; spell out through.

D: We will perform a fusion of C2 through C4.
T: We will perform a fusion of C2 through C4.
NOT
T: We will perform a fusion of C2-C4?.

A hyphen in this instance implies exclusion of the entire range and that C2 is fused to C4, rather than C2 to C3, and C3 to C4.