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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

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01-12-2020 | Esophagography | Case report

Chronic dysphagia caused by Laryngo-vertebral Synostosis after anterior fusion for cervical spine trauma: a case report

Authors: Ichiro Okano, Joe Omata, Yushi Hoshino, Yuki Usui, Tomoaki Toyone, Katsunori Inagaki

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

Anterior cervical spine surgery is often associated with postoperative dysphagia, but chronic dysphagia caused by laryngo-vertebral synostosis is extremely rare. We report a case of chronic dysphagia caused by synostosis between the cricoid cartilage and cervical spine after anterior surgery for cervical spine trauma.

Case presentations

We present a case of a 39-year-old man who had sustained complex spine trauma at C5–6 associated with complete spinal cord injury at the age of 22; the patient presented with a 5-year history of chronic dysphagia. Computed tomography demonstrated posterior shift of the esophagus as well as calcification of the cricoid cartilage and its fusion to the right anterior tubercle of the C5 vertebra. A barium swallow study demonstrated significant barium aspiration into the airway and no laryngeal elevation. The patient underwent resection of the bony bridge and omohyoid muscle flap insertion. His symptoms ameliorated after surgery.

Conclusion

Synostosis between the cricoid cartilage and cervical spine may occur associated with cervical spine trauma and causes chronic dysphagia. Resection of the fused part can improve dysphagia caused by this rare condition and omohyoid muscle flap might be a good option to prevent recurrence.

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Title: Chronic dysphagia caused by Laryngo-vertebral Synostosis after anterior fusion for cervical spine trauma: a case report
Authors: Ichiro Okano
Joe Omata
Yushi Hoshino
Yuki Usui
Tomoaki Toyone
Katsunori Inagaki
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Esophagography
Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography
Foreign Body Aspiration
Foreign Body Aspiration
Aspiration
Dysphagia
Dysphagia
Dysphagia
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-020-3152-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Chronic dysphagia caused by Laryngo-vertebral Synostosis after anterior fusion for cervical spine trauma: a case report

Abstract

Background

Case presentations

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Case presentations

Conclusion

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