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Cervical spondylodiscitis: A rare complication after phonatory prosthesis insertion
Author(s) -
Bolzoni Andrea,
Peretti Giorgio,
Piazza Cesare,
Farina Davide,
Nicolai Piero
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.20311
Subject(s) - medicine , spondylodiscitis , surgery , neurovascular bundle , complication , laryngectomy , prosthesis , neck pain , radiology , larynx , alternative medicine , pathology
Background. Tracheoesophageal puncture has excellent voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. However, despite its easy insertion and use, severe complications have been reported. Methods. We report a case of cervical spondylodiscitis, occurring in a 67‐year‐old woman submitted to phonatory prosthesis insertion. After 1 month, she complained of severe cervicalgia associated with fever. Spondylodiscitis involving C6, C7, and the intervening vertebral disk with medullary compression was detected by means of imaging studies. Results. A right cervicotomy with drainage of necrotic tissue was performed, and a deepithelialized fasciocutaneous deltopectoral flap was interposed between the neopharynx‐esophagus and the prevertebral fascia to protect the neurovascular axis. MR performed 1 month later showed a complete resolution of the infectious process. Conclusions. Severe neck pain after tracheoesophageal puncture should alert the physician about the possibility of a cervical spondylodiscitis. MR is the most useful imaging technique for preoperative and postoperative evaluation. When neurologic symptoms are detected, surgical exploration of the neck is mandatory. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 28: XXX–XXX, 2005