HORNER'S SYNDROME PRODUCED BY HYPERTROPHIC SPURS FROM THE CERVICAL SPINE

Giant Cervical Osteophyte: An Unusual Cause of Dysphagia

Dysphagia due to skeletal causes is a rare entity. A large cervical osteophyte can cause mechanical compression of the pharyngo-oesophageal segment leading to dysphagia. Large cervical osteophytes can occur in cervical spondylosis, ankylosing spondylitis or Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH). A 60-year-old female came with progressive dysphagia due to a giant cervical osteophyte anterior to C4 and C5 vertebral bodies causing compression of the pharyngo-oesophageal segment. The patient was treated by surgical excision of the osteophyte by orthopaedic surgeons. The patient had complete relief of dysphagia following excision of the osteophyte.

Stridor and Dysphagia in Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)

As otolaryngologists, we are the first consulted for stridor and dysphagia. One must consider both extrinsic and intrinsic etiologies in the differential diagnosis of these symptoms. We report a series of patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) who presented with stridor or dysphagia. We describe the initial presenting symptoms, physical examination/radiographic findings, and discuss the management options. Traditional teaching is that surgery is rarely indicated for DISH of the cervical spine. Recommendations regarding the role of surgery as well as a review of our surgical experience are discussed.

Hypertrophic cervical osteophytes causing dysphagia. A review

Problems associated with osteophytes of the spine are frequently called to the attention of the neurosurgeon. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (Forestier's disease) is a common disorder of the spine; a small but important number of these patients present with spondylitic dysphagia. Anterior cervical decompression restores esophageal function. A patient with Forestier's disease is reported, and Forestier's disease is compared and contrasted with other disorders of the spine.