Dysphagia Turns Out to Be Ossification of the Anterior Longitudinal Ligament of The Cervical Spine: A Case Report

Ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament (OALL) is a rare cause of dysphagia that can mimic esophageal malignancies, particularly in elderly patients. We present the case of a 61-year-old male with progressively worsening dysphagia, primarily for solids. Examination revealed a midline bulge in the posterior oropharyngeal wall. After esophageal malignancy was ruled out via endoscopy, computed tomography identified OALL extending from the C1-C2 spinal segments. The patient underwent anterior osteophytectomy at C1-C2, leading to significant symptom improvement without postoperative complications. Surgical intervention is a simple and effective procedure that provides immediate relief by decompressing the pharynx. In patients with symptomatic OALL severely affecting their quality of life, early surgical management yields favorable outcomes.