Vertebral osteomyelitis after blunt traumatic esophageal rupture.

Abstract

This is a report of a case. To document the occurrence and characteristics of vertebral osteomyelitis after blunt traumatic esophageal perforation. Vertebral osteomyelitis in association with esophageal rupture has been reported after penetrating, but not blunt traumatic injuries. All of the listed authors were involved in the care of this patient. All medical records, laboratory and radiologic investigations, and related literature were reviewed. The mixture of oral aerobic and anaerobic organisms inoculated into vertebral bone after blunt traumatic esophageal perforation caused a rapidly destructive vertebral osteomyelitis reminiscent of bite-wound injuries of the hand. Awareness of the occurrence of blunt traumatic esophageal perforation and the associated risk of vertebral osteomyelitis may lead to earlier detection and treatment of these infections.