Dysphagia Secondary to Anterior Osteophytes of the Cervical Spine

• Published in: Global spine journal Vol. 5; no. 5; pp. 78 - 83
• Main Authors: Egerter, Alexander C., Kim, Eric S., Lee, Darrin J., Liu, Jonathan J., Cadena, Gilbert, Panchal, Ripul R., Kim, Kee D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.10.2015; Georg Thieme Verlag KG
• Subjects: Case Report; dysphagia; diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH); surgical management; osteophytes
• ISSN: 2192-5682; 2192-5690
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1546954

Study Design Retrospective case series. Objective Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) or Forestier disease involves hyperostosis of the spinal column. Hyperostosis involving the anterior margin of the cervical vertebrae can cause dysphonia, dyspnea, and/or dysphagia. However, the natural history pertaining to the risk factors remain unknown. We present the surgical management of two cases of dysphagia secondary to cervical hyperostosis and discuss the etiology and management of DISH based on the literature review. Methods This is a retrospective review of two patients with DISH and anterior cervical osteophytes. We reviewed the preoperative and postoperative images and clinical history. Results Two patients underwent anterior cervical osteophytectomies due to severe dysphagia. At more than a year follow-up, both patients noted improvement in swallowing as well as their associated pain. Conclusion The surgical removal of cervical osteophytes can be highly successful in treating dysphagia if refractory to prolonged conservative therapy.