Otitis Externa - what a pain in the neck!

Abstract

We report on the first case of pyogenic spondylodiscitis caused by otitis externa, which arose by haematogenous spread. Pyogenic spondylodiscitis is a serious condition and it is imperative to have a high index of suspicion for this condition in any patient that has back or neck pain, systemic upset and raised inflammatory markers.

Anaesthetic Management of a Patient With Complicated Malignant Otitis Externa, Vocal Cord Palsy and Multiple Level Intervertebral Disc Prolapse

“…Joseph A. first reported a case of MOE causing destruction of upper cervical vertebrae. Cervical spine involvement may occur through surrounding skull base osteomyelitis or via anterior longitudinal ligaments of vertebrae 13 .Yaeeun Suh reported a case where MOE resulted in odontoid destruction and spondylo discitis and fusion of C5-6 vertebrae resulting from haematogenous spread of infection 14 .USG guided popliteal nerve block seems to be the best choice for providing anaesthesia for these cases.…”