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Cervical OsteomyelitisAn Unusual Complication of Tonsillectomy
LCDR Thomas A. Tami, MC;
LCDR J. Kenneth Burkus, MC;
CAPT C. Gordon Strom, MC
Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1987;113(9):992-994.
Abstract
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• Tonsillectomy is one of the most common operations performed by the otolaryngologist. Deep-neck infections are among the possible complications associated with this procedure. We encountered a case of osteomyelitis of the cervical spine occurring subsequent to an otherwise uncomplicated tonsillectomy. Although never previously reported with tonsillectomy to our knowledge, cervical osteomyelitis has been associated with other procedures and infections of the head, neck, and maxillofacial regions. Mechanisms that might explain this occurrence include direct extension via fascial planes, direct venous and lymphatic spread, and hematogenous dissemination from the contaminated surgical site. Treatment consisted of drainage and débridement of the infection, cervical immobilization, and long-term antibiotic administration. Healing was complete and cervical mobility and stability were normal at three months. Early recognition of this unusual complication of tonsillectomy is imperative to avoid potential neurologic sequelae.
(Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1987;113:992-994)
Author Affiliations
USN; USN; USN
From the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Va (Dr Tami), and the Departments of Orthopedic Surgery (Dr Burkus) and Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (Dr Strom), Naval Hospital, Oakland, Calif.
Footnotes
Accepted for publication Nov 21, 1986.
Presented in part at the annual meeting of the Pacific Coast Oto-Ophthalmological Society, Maui, Hawaii, June 30, 1986.
Reprint requests to Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, VA 23708 (Dr Tami).
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