Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis PatientPlus

Description: Synonym: Forestier's Disease A tendency for ossification of ligaments, tendons and joint capsule insertions - most characteristically affecting the spine. Calcification of the longitudinal ligaments (particularly anterior) can often produce the radiological appearance of "wax dripping from a candle", distinct from the vertebral bodies.1 The thoracic spine is mainly affected but it can also affect the lumbar and cervical spine, and other areas of the skeleton. The tendon/osseous junctions are occasionally affected around the elbow, patella, calcaneus, hip and knee joints. The cause is unknown.