抄録
A form of spinal ankylosis has been described by Forestier et al. as “ankylosing hyperostosis of the spine.”In this condition, ossification occurs mainly in the anterior longitudinal ligament. We report two cases of ASH causing dysphagia. Symptoms in these cases were remarkably improved by surgical treatment. Case 1. was a 68-year-old man admitted because of dysphagia, which we had had for more than forty years. Radiograms and CT of the cervical spine showed excessive anterior cervical osteophyte from C2 to C7. Remarkable displacement of the esophagus due to thorn osteophyte was revealed by esophagrams. The hypertoropic cervical osteophyte from C2 to C7 were excised using a standard anterior cervical approach. Postoperatively, his symptoms improved remarkably. Case 2. was a 55-year-old man who had been suffering from dysphagia for a year. On initial examination, he also had hoarseness. Radiograms and CT of the cervical spine showed excessive cervical osteophyte from C4 to C6. Remarkable displacement of the esophagus due to thorn osteophyte was revealed by esophagrams. The hypertropic cervical osteophyte from C4 to C6 were excised using a standard anterior cervical approach. In conclusion, we recommend surgical treatment for patients complaining of continuous difficulty in swallowing associated with ankylosing spinal hyperostosis.
