title: Esophageal perforation after anterior cervical plate fixation: a report of two cases.
abstract: We report two cases of esophageal complications due to migration of screws after anterior plate fixation of the cervical spine. Close observation for screw back out is needed, particularly in those patients with associated neurologic deficits or osteoporosis.
authors.affiliation: Minnesota Spine Center, Minneapolis 55454.
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Bolesta
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors