Disease: Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis
(DISH or Forestier's Disease)

    Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) facts

    • DISH is characterized by unique, flowing calcification along the sides of the contiguous vertebrae of the spine.
    • Symptoms of DISH include intermittent pains and stiffness in the areas of the bony changes of the spine and inflamed tendons.
    • DISH is diagnosed when the characteristic flowing calcifications are detected with images of the spine, such as in plain film X-ray methods.
    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can be helpful in both relieving pain and inflammation of DISH.

    What is diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis?

    Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is considered a form of degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis. However, DISH is characterized by unique, flowing calcification along the sides of the contiguous vertebrae of the spine. And, very unlike typical degenerative arthritis, it's also commonly associated with inflammation (tendinitis) and calcification of tendons at their attachments points to bone. This can lead to the formation of bone spurs, such as heel spurs. In fact, heel spurs are common among individuals with DISH. DISH has also been called Forestier's disease.

    What causes diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis?

    It is not known what causes DISH. DISH is associated with the metabolic syndrome and is more frequent in people with diabetes mellitus.

    Source: http://www.rxlist.com

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