Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis - a case report

Abstract

The case reported here is an incidental finding of a specimen of lower three lumbar vertebrae with sacrum. It displayed ossification of anterolateral aspect of lower three lumbar vertebrae with sparing of intervertebral disc space. Para-articular osteophytosis was found at zygopophyseal (facet) joints, however ankylosis was absent at zygopophyseal joints as well as at interspinous sites. Based on its features we labelled it as a case of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). It is a common but often unrecognized disorder of unknown etiology in elderly individuals. The awareness of this entity may stimulate clinicians and researchers to focus on its pathogenesis, treatment and prevention.

Keywords

• forestier’s disease
• exuberant outgrowths
• flowing osteophytosis
• enthesis
• ossifying diathesis
• radiculopathy