Late prevertebral abscess after anterior cervical fusion

We present a unique case of a 54-year-old woman who developed a prevertebral abscess 2 years after anterior cervical fusion in the absence of previously reported risk factors for late infection. The literature relevant to this topic is reviewed.

To report a rare complication of a commonly performed surgery.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is one of the most commonly performed spinal surgeries. The complication rate is relatively low; the risk of infection is only 0.1% to 1.6%. In the late postoperative setting, more than 6 months, wound infections are very rare and are often associated with an esophageal perforation secondary to hardware migration.

We present a rare complication of a deep wound infection in a 54-year-old woman 2 years after an anterior cervical fusion. On serial radiograph imaging after surgery, the surgical level demonstrated progressive fusion. At 2 years, however, the patient presented with acute dysphagia. Computed tomography (CT) of the neck with contrast demonstrated a rim enhancing prevertebral mass, which was treated with wound exploration and debridement. Direct laryngoscopy at the time of surgery did not demonstrate a breach in the esophageal mucosa and inspection of the esophagus during surgery did not reveal a diverticulum, tear, or breach in the esophagus.

After surgical exploration and debridement the patient was placed on a 6-week course of antibiotics. Her dysphagia improved significantly after debridement of the prevertebral abscess.

Late occurring, deep wound infections are a rare complication of anterior cervical fusion. Dysphagia in the late postoperative setting should be considered carefully and evaluated for esophageal perforation or deep wound infection.