Dysphagia 27 years after cervical disc arthroplasty

Dysphagia is a frequent postoperative symptom after anterior cervical disc arthroplasty. However, onset of dysphagia and neck pain a long time after surgery should suggest a diagnosis of prosthesis dislocation. A 65-year-old man with a history of cervical disc arthroplasty 27 years previously consulted for rapidly progressive dysphagia with no other associated symptoms. Physical examination and CT scan confirmed the diagnosis of anterior dislocation of the prosthesis with no signs of perforation. Surgical extraction via a neck incision allowed resolution of the symptoms. Prosthesis dislocation should be considered in a patient with a history of cervical disc arthroplasty presenting with dysphagia and neck pain. The clinical and radiological assessment confirmed the diagnosis and early surgical management allowed resolution of the symptoms and avoided complications such as pharyngo-oesophageal perforation.