Acute cervical osteomyelitis and prevertebral abscess after routine tonsillectomy.
Publication/Presentation Date
1-1-2008
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Tonsillectomy is among the most commonly performed surgical procedures. The development of severe infection after tonsillectomy is a very rare but potentially fatal complication that has not been described in the orthopedic, neurosurgical, or spine literature.
PURPOSE: To present acute cervical osteomyelitis and prevertebral abscess formation as a complication of a routine tonsillectomy.
STUDY DESIGN: Case report, literature review.
METHODS: A case report was prepared on the clinical and radiographic data of a patient presenting with prevertebral abscess and acute cervical osteomyelitis 6 weeks after routine tonsillectomy. A review of relevant literature was additionally performed.
RESULTS: The patient presented 6 weeks after tonsillectomy with evidence of a deep cervical infection. Operative debridement with anterior and posterior surgical stabilization was performed. The patient completed a 6-week course of intravenous antibiotics. At 24-month follow-up, the patient showed no signs of infection and demonstrated a stable fusion mass.
CONCLUSIONS: The development of prevertebral abscess and acute cervical osteomyelitis has been discussed in a small number of otolaryngology case reports and has not been previously reported in the orthopedic, neurosurgical, or spine literature. Symptoms may be nonspecific, and so a high index of clinical suspicion is needed. Delay in treatment may lead to significant morbidity and even mortality. Successful treatment can be obtained through operative debridement and intravenous antibiotic therapy.
Volume
8
Issue
5
First Page
827
Last Page
830
ISSN
1529-9430
Published In/Presented At
Patel, A. A., Madigan, L., Poelstra, K. A., Whang, P. G., Vaccaro, A. R., & Harrop, J. S. (2008). Acute cervical osteomyelitis and prevertebral abscess after routine tonsillectomy. The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society, 8(5), 827–830. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2007.04.019
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
17697802
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article