Surgical treatments on patients with anterior cervical hyperostosis-derived dysphagia

Abstract

Anterior cervical hyperostosis may be a cause of dysphagia. For anterior cervical hyperostosis, medical or surgical treatments can be adhibited in view of the causative mechanisms and intensities of dysphagia. We report 3 cases of cervical hyperostosis-derived progressive dysphagia that underwent operation. Radiologic diagnosis and Video Fluoroscopic Swallowing Study were performed on the three patients for evaluation. One had history of recurrent aspiration pneumonia accompanied by weight loss, another complained of dysphagia only when swallowing pills, and the third experienced recurrence symptom with reossification. All patients reported gradual improvement of dysphagia immediately after their cervical osteophytes were resected through the anterior approach. In relation to postoperative improvement, however, they expressed different degrees of satisfaction according to severity of symptoms. Surgical treatment, performed for the anterior cervical hyperostosis-derived dysphagia, can immediately relieve symptoms of difficulty in swallowing. This might especially be considered as an appropriate treatment option for severe dysphagia. © 2012 by Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine.