Forestier’s Disease- hardening of the ligaments

Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) is a condition where there is a bony hardening of ligaments. Mostly it occurs in areas where the ligament is attached to the spine but sometimes it also affects areas of the elbow, knee, heels, and shoulder. This is a progressive condition and as the disease progresses the complications can be severe.
This condition is also known as Forestier’s disease. The symptoms can be mild to severe and require treatment.
Forestier’s disease Symptoms :
Stiffness of joints especially in the morning.
Pain in the affected areas.
Loss of range of motion especially while stretching.
Difficulty in swallowing with hoarseness in voice is seen in cases where the neck is affected.
Increased risk of spinal fracture
Sleep apnea
Difficulty in breathing due to obstruction in the airways.
Forestier’s disease Causes:
The exact cause of the disease is yet to be proven, but it is thought that the following causes result in hyperostosis of the ligament:
Repetitive lifting and moving heavy objects
Long-time exposure to high amounts of Vitamin A
Family history
Obesity
Acromegaly
Diabetes
Forestier’s disease Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is often suspected by the signs and symptoms exhibited by the person. However, an X-ray is done to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases where X-ray also does not confirm the diagnosis then CT scan or MRI is done to confirm the diagnosis. All three types of imaging are studied to know which other skeletal parts are also in the process of undergoing hyperostosis.
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