Skip to main content

Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)

Nida Emko, MD and Lizette A Lugo, MD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Systemic condition characterized by calcification and ossification of soft tissues, primarily ligaments and entheses; most commonly in the spine, especially thoracic segments

  • Typicall...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Most commonly asymptomatic

  • Diagnosis often made incidentally on imaging studies

  • Back and neck pain are the most common complaints.

  • Stiffness and reduced range of motion in spine and the ...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Largely symptomatic relief of pain and stiffness:

    • Pain control with analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

    • Physical therapy to improve/maintain spinal mobili...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Seek immediate medical attention if neurologic symptoms develop or if involved in trauma (e.g., fall, car accident); minor trauma can lead to in...

REFERENCES

1
Mader  R, Verlaan  JJ, Eshed  I, et al. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH): where we are now and where to go next. RMD Open.  2017;3(1):e000472. [...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Holton  KF, Denard  PJ, Yoo  JU, et al; and Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study Group. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and its relation to...

CODES

ICD10

  • M48.10 Ankylosing hyperostosis [Forestier], site unspecified

  • M48.14 Ankylosing hyperostosis [Forestier], thoracic region

  • M48.15 Ankylosing hyperostosis [Forestier], thoracolumbar region

  • M48.12...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • DISH is typically asymptomatic. The diagnosis is often discovered incidentally on radiographic studies.

  • Clinical characteristics and radiographic findings may be confused with those of ...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

Sign Up for a 10-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.

×