[Challenges and characteristics of spondylodiscitis of the cervical spine].

The human cervical spine is a unique structure that differs dramatically from the thoracic and lumbar spine. The main differences concern the topographic anatomy of the spinal cord, anatomy and physiology of the occipito-atlanto-axial joint complex, the close course of the vertebral artery to the cervical spine and the very close relationship of the esophagus, vessels, peripheral and cranial nerves to the spine. To avoid serious complications during surgical treatment of spondylodiscitis within the cervical spine, these aspects must be kept in mind. They will be explained in detail in this article.