Long term follow-up of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis in the cervical spine. Analysis of progression of ossification.

In eleven patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis who presented with extensive ossification in the cervical spine, progression or regression of ossification during the follow-up period were measured in extent and thickness radiographically. Intervertebral range of motion was also measured and the relation between changes of ossification and intervertebral mobility was analyzed. The range of motion at the segments at which ossification progressed was statistically quite different from those at which no progression was observed. It was found that ossification grew in thickness at mobile segments and no growth of ossification was present at immobile segments. Dysphagia caused by massive ossification was cured by surgical removal in two cases. Recurrent ossifications were detected in them some years after surgery, and one of them complained of dysphagia again. To prevent recurrent ossification and dysphagia, it was considered that immobilization of the concerned segment was necessary by bone grafting or preservation of the continuity of ossification.