The use of BMP in anterior cervical spinal procedures results in acute airway obstruction due to an extensive soft-tissue inflammatory reaction that is most likely to occur 2 to 7 days after surgery. The increased incidence of unplanned intubations and tracheotomies demonstrates the risk associated with BMP in cervical spinal procedures.

PDT provides a surgical oncologic modality for potentially curative treatment of early stage oral cavity and oropharyngeal malignancies either as a primary modality or for treatment in patients that have previously failed surgery and/or radiation therapy.

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Objective. To determine predictors of patient adherence to CPAP. Design. A retrospective chart review identified patients with AHI values greater than 15 who were recommended to receive CPAP. Compliance was measured at a 1-to 4-month interval and at 1 year. Results. There were 106 of 368 (29%) patients who received CPAP therapy that were compliant with CPAP use at 1 to 4 months. Forty-six patients (12%) were using CPAP at one year. For the male group at one year, the model demonstrated the AHI value (P  value = .026) as a predictor of compliance if greater than 27.3 and a significant two-way interaction between age and AHI (P = .023). Increased length of time from the initial visit and receiving the CPAP machine was associated with poorer compliance (P = .002). Those living in areas with higher incomes and with a higher percentage of non-high-school graduates were more likely to be compliant (P = .01 and P = .044). Conclusion. Older male patients with higher AHI values were noted to be more adherent to CPAP. Efforts should be made to try to minimize the length of time between the initial visit and the time to receive CPAP to improve compliance.

Acute airway obstruction in the postoperative period following cervical spine fusion using BMP is a complication of its use. Due to the degree of obstruction and difficulty with intubation postoperatively, a clinical awareness is necessary to effectively manage these patients. Collaborative efforts between the spine surgeon, anesthesia and the otolaryngologist are required for management of the complications that occur after surgery.