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Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis
aka 1) ankylosing hyperostosis, 2) Vertebral osteophytosis
Large amount of osteophyte formation in the spine, confluent, spanning 3 or more disks
Most commonly seen in the thoracic and thoracolumbar spine.
Osteophytes follow the course of the anterior longitudinal ligaments.
2:1 male to female ratio. Most patients >60yo.
Sx's: Longstanding morning and evening spine stiffness.
PE: Spinal stiffness with flexion and extension.
Dx: plain films
Tx: NSAIDs and physical therapy
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