Unusual complications of cervical spine surgery for cervical myelopathy in rheumatoid arthritis.
Cervical myelopathy is a recognized complication of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies. In a significant proportion of patients, surgical stabilization of the cervical spine offers the best opportunity for improvement of symptoms and long-term survival. We report two cases that illustrate some potential complications of cervical spine surgery and which also emphasize the need for vigilance when caring for patients in this group.
Munro
R
R
Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
Duncan
M
M
Capell
H A
HA
Johnston
R
R
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications*; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D001922:Brain Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006547:Hernia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007082:Ileum; D007085:Ilium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000637:transplantation; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed