Dysphagia Caused by Cervical Plate Erosion through the Hypopharynx

Progressive Dysphagia in Patient With Cervical Plate Complicated With Posterior Pharyngeal Wall Erosion

“…During anterior cervical surgery, aggressive or improper retraction of the esophagus may lead to esophageal erosion, a challenging clinical problem. Although most esophageal injuries occur intra-operative or immediately following surgical intervention, few cases are reported with a delayed presentation [ 2 , 3 ]. Symptoms include dysphagia and Mackler's triad (subcutaneous emphysema, chest pain, and vomiting) in the setting of esophageal perforation [ 4 ].…”

“…Esophageal erosion following anterior cervical spine surgery is rare and reported to be between 0.02 and 1.49%, and it has a mortality rate close to 6 percent [ 1 ]. Although most esophageal erosions occur intra-operative or immediately following surgical intervention, few cases have been reported with a delayed presentation [ 2 ]. Diagnosis of esophageal perforation can be made with cervical imaging studies, including X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).…”