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Posttraumatic synostosis between the thyroid cartilage and the cervical spine causing dysphagia
In Ho Han1, Byung Kwan Choi, Soo Geun Wang
1Department of Neurosurgery, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea.
American Journal of Otolaryngology
|September 20, 2011
Summary
Severe dysphagia, a swallowing difficulty, occurred 7 years after cervical trauma due to unusual bone fusion. Surgical removal of this synostosis between the thyroid cartilage and cervical spine provided immediate relief.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Cervical trauma can lead to delayed complications.
- Dysphagia is a significant symptom impacting quality of life.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old male presented with severe dysphagia after prior cervical trauma.
- Imaging revealed synostosis between the thyroid cartilage and cervical spine (C5-C7).
- Impaired laryngeal elevation was noted during swallowing assessment.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of the thyroid cartilage-cervical spine synostosis was performed.
- The patient experienced immediate and complete resolution of dysphagia post-surgery.
- No complications were reported following the surgical intervention.
Implications:
- Delayed synostosis is a rare but treatable cause of severe dysphagia.
- Surgical intervention can effectively restore swallowing function in such cases.
- Highlights the importance of thorough evaluation of post-traumatic cervical complications.
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