Generally secondary to TB, osteomyelitis or surgery. Compactness of space generally limits spread into the chest. Drainage is similar to external approach to retropharyngeal space. The space confined by the carotid sheath, from the base of the skull to the mediastinum. The space is compact and infection does not usually travel within the sheath.
Compilations involve thrombosis or rupture of the great vessels of the neck.
Spaces limited to below the hyoid. In its upper portion it is continuous with the posterior visceral space. Usually infections arise from traumatic perforations of the anterior esophageal wall. If the infection is pointing, a localized drainage can be done. For more extensive infections drainage via the Dean approach is useful.