Delayed esophageal perforation after cervical spine plating.
Although anterior approaches to the cervical spine are popular and safe, they cause some of complications. Esophageal perforation after anterior spinal fusion is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. We present a rare case of delayed esophageal perforation caused by a cervical screw placed via the anterior approach. A 43-year-old man, who had undergone surgery for complete cord injury at another orthopedic department 8 years previously, was admitted to our institute due to painful neck swelling and dysphagia. Radiological studies revealed a protruding screw and esophageal perforation. The perforation was found during surgery and was successfully repaired. This case emphasizes the need for careful long-term follow-up to check for delayed esophageal perforation in patients that have undergone anterior cervical spine plating.
Department of Emergency Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju, Korea.
Seong Jung
SJ
Kim
Department of Neurosurgery, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju, Korea.
Chang Il
CI
Ju
Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju, Korea.
Dong Min
DM
Kim
Department of Neurosurgery, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju, Korea.
Seok Won
SW
Kim
Anterior cervical surgery; Esophageal perforation