Migration of an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Screw into the Constrictor Muscle of the Hypopharynx

Abstract

Case: A 53-year-old man developed dysphagia 4 years after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), and radiographs revealed a dislodged screw anterior to the ACDF plate. Intraoperatively, the screw was found to be completely embedded within the pharyngeal constrictor muscle fibers and was removed with assistance from otolaryngology without injury to the pharyngeal mucosa. Conclusion: Implant migration after ACDF can variably damage tracheoesophageal and retropharyngeal structures, and a multidisciplinary approach involving otolaryngology or thoracic surgery may be required to diagnose and treat these complications.