Abstract
The relationship of the esophagus to the cervical vertebral body (CVB), disc space and longus colli (LC) muscles, to our knowledge, has not been previously studied. The purpose of this study was to quantify the relationship of the esophagus to the CVB, disc space and LC. 30 patients were selected for a retrospective review of computed tomography (CT) scans. Measurements between the esophagus and the C5, C6, and C7 vertebral bodies as well as the C5/6 and C6/7 disc spaces were performed in the midline, 3 mm right and left of midline, and at the edge of the LC on both sides. The closest distance of the esophagus to the CVB and disc space occurs at the midline (range 1.02–1.31 mm at each level). The furthest distance occurred at the edge of the right LC (range 2.67–3.30 mm at each level). The mean distance from the edge of the right LC to the midline was significantly greater (P < 0.01) than mean distance from the edge of the left LC to the midline. No statistical significant differences were observed when comparing measurements at the individual vertebral bodies and disc spaces. The results of the study demonstrate that the esophagus lies in closest proximity to the CVB and disc space in the midline. A larger potential space exists between the esophagus and the CVB and disc space at the edge of the LC. These results may provide insight into a potential cause of post-operative dysphagia. Furthermore, it may help guide the future design of cervical plates to better utilize the potential space between the esophagus and the CVB and disc space at the edge of the LC.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bailey RW, Badgley CE (1960) Stabilization of the cervical spine by anterior fusion. J Bone Joint Surg Am 42-A:565–594
Baron EM, Soliman AM, Gaughan JP et al (2003) Dysphagia, hoarseness, and unilateral true vocal cord impairment following anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 112(11):921–926
Bazaz R, Lee MJ, Yoo JU (2002) Incidence of dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery: a prospective study. Spine 27(22):2453–2458
Bohlman HH, Emery SE, Goodfellow DB et al (1993) Robinson anterior cervical discectomy and arthrodesis for cervical radiculopathy. Long term follow-up of one hundred and twenty-two patients. J Bone Joint Surg Am 75-A:1298–1307
Cloward RB (1959) Vertebral body fusion for ruptured cervical discs. Am J Surg 98:722–727
Drompp BW, Siebert WE, Fulgenzi WR (1964) Early stabilization of certain fractures and fracture-dislocations of the cervical spine. Experiences with interbody fusion via the anterior approach. Clin Orthop Relat Res 34:42–52
Fogel GR, McDonnell MF (2005) Surgical treatment of dysphagia after anterior cervical interbody fusion. Spine J 5(2):140–144
Frempong-Boadu A, Houten JK, Osborn B et al (2002) Swallowing and speech dysfunction in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a prospective, objective preoperative and postoperative assessment. J Spinal Disord Tech 15(5):362–368
Gore DR, Sepic SB (1998) Anterior discectomy and fusion for painful cervical disease. A report of 50 patients with an average follow-up of 21 years. Spine 23:2047–2051
Karaikovic EE, Yingsakmongkol W, Griffiths HJ et al (2002) Possible complications of anterior perforation of the vertebral body using cervical pedicle screws. J Spinal Disord Tech 15(1):75–78
Lee MJ, Bazaz R, Furey CG et al (2005) Influence of anterior cervical plate design on dysphagia: a 2-year prospective longitudinal follow-up study. J Spinal Disord Tech 18(5):406–409
Riley LH 3rd, Skolasky RL, Albert TJ et al (2005) Dysphagia after anterior cervical decompression and fusion: prevalence and risk factors from a longitudinal cohort study. Spine 30(22):2564–2569
Smith GW, Robinson RA (1958) The treatment of certain cervical-spine disorders by anterior removal of the intervertebral disc and interbody fusion. J Bone Joint Surg Am 40-A(3):607–624
Smith-Hammond CA, New KC, Pietrobon R et al (2004) Prospective analysis of incidence and risk factors of dysphagia in spine surgery patients: comparison of anterior cervical, posterior cervical, and lumbar procedures. Spine 29(13):1441–1446
Yue WM, Brodner W, Highland TR (2005) Persistent swallowing and voice problems after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with allograft and plating: a 5 to 11 year follow-up study. Eur Spine J 14(7):677–682
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Rhyne , A.L., Spector, L.R., Schmidt, G.L. et al. Anatomic mapping and evaluation of the esophagus in relation to the cervical vertebral body. Eur Spine J 16, 1267–1272 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-007-0339-5
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-007-0339-5