Late Retropharyngeal and Parapharyngeal Abscess in Patients with a History of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

Late retropharyngeal abscess after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is a rare complication. Surgical management should be considered along with long term antibiotics. Removal of implants may not be necessary for infection resolution. Antibiotic treatment alone may be indicated for patients who are not septic, do not have airway compromise, or and can be considered for poor surgical candidates.