Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) Treatment & Management

Updated: Aug 03, 2022
  • Author: Bruce M Rothschild, MD; Chief Editor: Jeffrey D Thomson, MD  more...
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Treatment

Approach Considerations

No cure for diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) exists. Therapy is symptomatic and empirical, and may include measures such as the following [2] :

  • Physical therapy
  • Analgesics
  • Sedation
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Muscle relaxants

Successful treatment of dysphagia with nighttime continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has been reported. [51]

Surgery may be indicated to provide relief of severe symptoms, such as airway obstruction or dysphagia, that have not responded to conservative treatment. [2]  Although tracheotomy is the treatment described in most cases of DISH-related airway obstruction in the literature, Yosimatsu et al report a case of successful treatment with careful airway management and surgical osteophytectomy. [52]