The danger space is a potential space in the neck lying between the alar fascia in front and the prevertebral fascia behind. It runs from the base of the skull down to the level of the diaphragm, behind the retropharyngeal space.
| Location | Behind the pharynx and oesophagus, in front of the vertebral column. |
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A potential space allowing movement of the pharynx and oesophagus against the spine.
It is called the danger space because infection entering it, usually from a retropharyngeal abscess, can spread unchecked into the posterior mediastinum, causing life-threatening mediastinitis. CT is used to define the extent of deep neck infections and plan drainage.
Spread of a deep neck or dental infection down the danger space into the chest, causing severe sepsis and needing urgent surgical drainage.
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