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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffPeople with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis are at risk of certain complications, such as:
- Disability. Loss of range of motion in the affected joint can make it difficult to use that joint. For instance, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis in your shoulder can make it difficult and painful to use your arm.
- Difficulty swallowing. Bone spurs associated with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis in the neck (cervical spine) can put pressure on your esophagus, making it difficult to swallow. The pressure from bone spurs can also cause a hoarse voice or difficulty breathing while you're asleep (sleep apnea). In rare circumstances this can become serious and may require surgery to remove the bone spurs.
- Paralysis. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis that affects the ligament running up the outside of your spine (posterior longitudinal ligament) can put pressure on your spinal cord. Spinal cord compression may result in a loss of feeling and paralysis.
