Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis

Description: Synonyms of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis DISH Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis Forestier's Disease Spinal DISH Spinal Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis Vertebral Ankylosing Hyperostosis General Discussion Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), also known as Forestier’s disease, affects the ligaments around the spine. Sections of the ligaments turn into bone in this disorder, which is considered to be a form of degenerative arthritis. The conversion of ligamental tissue to bone usually extends along the sides of the vertebrae of the spine. (This may be called flowing calcification.) Also, DISH is associated with inflammation (tendinitis) and calcification of the tendons, especially at the points at which the tendon attaches to the bones. When this happens, the patient is said to have developed bone spurs, especially in the heel and ankles (heel spurs). DISH affects three or more vertebrae that are most often located in the chest or in the spine between the chest and pelvis. It is a disorder of older patients, more often affecting men than women ages 50-60. The disorder is often found in association with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity.