Esophageal Fistula Formation by MetalLoosening following Anterior Cervical Arthrodesis: A Case Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

An esophageal injury after an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with plating is a well known but a fatal complication. If the diagnosis is delayed, inflammation can spread out into the neighboring main organs resulting in a very poor prognosis despite vigorous treatment. We report a case of esophageal fistula formation as a result of infected metal loosening after an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with plating, which was treated successfully with a satisfactory clinical outcome.