Ankylosing Spinal Hyperostosis

Ankylosing spinal hyperostosis refers to stiffness or fusion of the spine due to excessive bone formation. It is also known as diffuse idiopathis skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) or ankylosing vertebral hyperostosis, and is often incorrectly called Forestier's disease. A form of degenerative arthritis, this disorder involves sections of the ligaments in the spine turning into bone--a process also known as "flowing calcification," because it usually extends along the sides of the vertebrae.

Ankylosing spinal hyperostosis affects three or more vertebrae between the chest and pelvis. We mainly see it in men, ages 50-60, along with diabetes, heart disease, obesity and high blood pressure. Often, physicians confuse the stiffness in the spine that accompanies ankylosing spinal hyperostosis with ankylosing spondylitis.

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spinal Hyperostosis

If you experience intermittent back pain along with stiffness (especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods), you may have ankylosing spinal hyperostosis. The Bonati Institute may be able to help. We use minimally invasive techniques to free your joints and allow your spine to remain flexible. Recovery time is much faster than with other types of surgery.

At The Bonati Institute, we perform advanced arthroscopic spinal laser surgery that succeeds where other surgeries fail. All of our procedures are done on an outpatient basis under local anesthetic. We are happy to review your MRI and provide you with a written opinion of whether we think you are a good candidate for our procedures. You can also contact us for a free information kit.