Prevertebral Space Bursa

bursa spatii prevertebralis

A potential bursal space between the prevertebral muscles (longus colli, longus capitis) and the prevertebral fascia overlying the anterior cervical vertebral bodies. This space may accumulate fluid from longus colli calcific tendinitis, prevertebral abscess, or anterior cervical disc pathology.

Region: Neck

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Prevertebral space fluid collections cause dysphagia and odynophagia by compressing the posterior pharyngeal wall. Acute longus colli calcific tendinitis deposits calcium hydroxyapatite into the prevertebral space producing severe throat pain and neck stiffness mimicking retropharyngeal abscess. CT differentiates calcific tendinitis (prevertebral calcification without ring enhancement) from true abscess. The prevertebral space is the plane developed during anterior cervical discectomy.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Longus Colli Calcific Tendinitis

Calcium hydroxyapatite deposition in the prevertebral space producing acute onset dysphagia, odynophagia, and neck pain, diagnosed by CT showing prevertebral calcification at C1-C3 without ring enhancement, self-limiting with NSAIDs.