Unusual fatal infections after anterior cervical spine surgeries

Korean J Spine. 2012 Sep;9(3):304-8. doi: 10.14245/kjs.2012.9.3.304. Epub 2012 Sep 30.

Abstract

We report two cases of cervical spinal epidural abscess (SEA), which are related to anterior cervical surgeries. The first case reveals a late postoperative infection without any predisposing factor. The second case reveals combined complication of infection and instrument failure (artificial disc). Both two cases manifested ascending infections that are unusual courses of anterior cervical infections. The abscess extended upwards and, finally, caused life threatening bacterial meningitis. We suggest aggressive surgical interventions with anti-bacterial therapies in such cases.

Keywords: Artificial disc replacement; Cervical; Discectomy; Meningitis; Spinal epidural abscess.