Cervical vertebral osteophyte as a rare cause of dysphagia: a report of three cases

Abstract

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (ankylosing hyperostosis, Forestier's disease, spondylitis ossificans ligamentosa) is a chronic disease characterized by the widespread spinal osteofit formation due to enchondral ossification of paravertebral ligament and muscles. Treatment is primarily based on dietary changes and anti-inflammatory therapy in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis patients suffering from dysphagia. Surgery should be considered in patients with a severe clinical status. In this article, we report three patients and discuss the diagnosis and treatment in the light of literature.