Oesophageal perforation following cervical spinal surgery with instrumentation: A case report on primary repair with pedicled sternocleidomastoid muscle flap reinforcement and review of the literature

Anterior cervical spine fusion and stabilisation is an entrenched procedure for managing traumatic spinal fracture. Oesophageal perforation by spinal hardware after cervical spinal fusion surgery is a rare complication that can be life-threatening. We present a case with a complication of oesophageal perforation following anterior and posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation performed 7 years ago with a review of literature.