VERTEBRAL OSTEOMYELITIS AFTER BLUNT TRAUMATIC ESOPHAGEAL RUPTURE

Study Design. This is a report of a case. Objective. To document the o ccurrence and characteristics of vertebral osteomyelitis after blunt t raumatic esophageal perforation. Summary of Background Data. Vertebral osteomyelitis in association with esophageal rupture has been reporte d after penetrating, but not blunt traumatic injuries. Methods. All of the listed authors were involved in the care of this patient. All med ical records, laboratory and radiologic investigations, and related li terature were reviewed. Results. The mixture of oral aerobic and anaer obic organisms inoculated into vertebral bone after blunt traumatic es ophageal perforation caused a rapidly destructive vertebral osteomyeli tis reminiscent of bite-wound injuries of the hand. Conclusions. Aware ness of the occurrence of blunt traumatic esophageal perforation and t he associated risk of vertebral osteomyelitis may lead to earlier dete ction and treatment of these infections.