A 52-year-old male with C5–C6 cage migration, developed to dysphagia: a rare case report

Introduction and importance: The anterior approach to the cervical spine is a recognized surgical technique for various spinal disorders. While generally effective, it poses risks of serious complications, such as cervical plate and cage displacement. Case presentation: A 52-year-old male with a history of cervical myelopathy and cardiac catheterization presented with left arm numbness and pain. Following surgery for spinal stenosis and a displaced cervical plate, he developed persistent dysphagia, initially alleviated by Hasytriptyline but recurred after a work-related neck injury. A cervical CT on 15 May 2024, revealed C5–C6 cage migration, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showing midline displacement, complicating surgical retrieval. Clinical discussion: Various diagnostic methods, including endoscopy and imaging, showed normal results for dysphagia, with significant improvement after Hasytriptyline treatment. MRI later revealed calcified herniated discs at C3–C6, prompting surgery. Two years after cervical trauma, imaging showed cage migration, complicating surgery. Post-expulsion, no severe complications were found, suggesting a potential esophageal-tracheal fistula. Conclusion: Cervical cage migration is a rare but significant complication that can potentially cause compression of nearby structures, such as the larynx. Further research is essential for understanding its etiology.