Spinal Injuries in the Setting of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis

I INTRODUCTION Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), as its name implies, is a condition characterized by a generalized (diffuse) abundant ossification of ligaments (skeletal hyperostosis) of unknown etiology (idiopathic). The spine is the most commonly affected area of the body. The longitudinal ligaments of the spine, in particular the anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL), are most often affected. Exuberant ossification and bony spurring is also seen at ligament and tendon insertions throughout the body. In particular, DISH patients demonstrate calcifications at ligamentous insertions involving the iliac crests in 66% of patients, and the ischial tuberosities, lesser trochanters, and greater trochanters in 53%, 42%, and 36%, respectively.