Progressive dysphagia secondary to multiple anterior cervical osteophytes: a case report

Abstract Introduction The prevalence of anterior cervical osteophyte (ACO) among elderly patients with cervical arthropathy is ranges from 20 to 30%. However external compression caused by large anterior osteophyte resulting significant mechanical dysphagia is rather rare. In this case report we present a 34-year-old gentleman who was found to have large anterior cervical osteophytes while being investigated for progressive dysphagia. Case report A 34-year-old gentleman who was being treated for ankylosing spondylitis presented with progressive dysphagia for 3 months. Even though he complained of neck pain and stiffness, he denied any clinical symptoms of cervical radiculopathy. Lateral cervical spinal X-ray and MRI scan showed multiple large anterior osteophytes in cervical spine from C4 to C6. Barium swallow showed the significant esophageal narrowing at cervical spinal spur of C3 to C6. He underwent osteophytectomy of C3–C6 cervical spurs through routine antero-lateral approach, Dysphagia resolved completely after the surgery and was able to revert to his normal diet within 3 weeks of surgery. Conclusion Anterior cervical osteophytes are rare but significant entity causing dysphagia, especially in elderly population with cervical spine arthropathy. . The patient who fails on conservative management for ACOs should offer surgical resection of cervical osteophytes which gives satisfactory long term outcomes. Key words: Anterior cervical osteophytes, Dysphagia