| Abstrakt: |
INTRODUCTION: We present the case of M.E., a 73-year-old patient, who presented to his local medical services for progressive dysphagia. Follow-up cervical CT scan revealed ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament, at C3 - C4, C4 - C5 and C5 - C6 levels, consistent with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), also known as Forestier disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patient was operated on by a multidisciplinary team (Neurosurgery and O.M.F. surgery). After a left sided vertical cervical incision and dissection of tissue, the spinal cervical levels were identified radiologically, followed by reduction of bony elevations at C3 - C4, C4 - C5 and C5 - C6 using a regular drill tip. Postoperatively the patient's dysphagia was completely alleviated. CONCLUSION: Although Forestier disease is usually identified incidentally, patients may present with decreased neck mobility, cervical pain and dysphagia. While the disease is similar to ankylosing spondylitis, it does not have a genetic component and it mainly affects the cervical and thoracic spines. Surgery may be necessary if dysphagia progresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
