A delayed spinocutaneous fistula after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

Abstract

A 60-year-old woman sustained a mild hyperextension injury that resulted in a severe, central cord syndrome (American Spinal Cord Injury Association scale - ASIA C). Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine showed extensive degenerative changes from C4 to C7, spinal canal stenosis, and a spinal cord contusion. She underwent anterior C4 corpectomy, C5–C6 discectomy, and fusion using iliac crest bone, cage, and plate (Figure). Postoperatively, she gradually improved and was able to walk independently and return to part-time work.