Vertebral osteomyelitis after blunt traumatic esophageal rupture.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a report of a case.

OBJECTIVE: To document the occurrence and characteristics of vertebral osteomyelitis after blunt traumatic esophageal perforation.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Vertebral osteomyelitis in association with esophageal rupture has been reported after penetrating, but not blunt traumatic injuries.

METHODS: 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.

RESULTS: 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.

CONCLUSIONS: 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.