Asian Spine J.  2015 Aug;9(4):612-616. 10.4184/asj.2015.9.4.612.

Anterior Herniation of Partially Calcified and Degenerated Cervical Disc Causing Dysphagia

• Ozdol C
• Turk CC
• Yildirim A
• Dalgic A

• KMID: 2169335
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4184/asj.2015.9.4.612

Abstract

We report a rare case of anterior cervical disc herniation associated with dysphagia. A 32-year-old man presented with complaints of dysphagia and concomitant pain in the right arm resistant to conservative therapy. On physical examination with respect to the muscle strength, the right shoulder abduction and flexion of the forearm were 3/5. Lateral X-ray revealed calcified osteophytes at the anterior C4-5 level. Magnetic resonance imaging showed soft disc herniation involving the right C6 root at the C5-6 level and anterior herniation of the C4-5 cervical disc. Anterior discectomies for C4-5 and C5-6 levels stabilized and ameliorated the dysphagia and pain. Cervical disc herniation usually presents with radicular findings. However, dysphagia may be an uncommon presentation. Anterior cervical disc herniation should be considered in a patient presenting with dysphagia.

Keyword

Cervical vertebrae; Dysphagia; Osteophyte; Discectomy; Intervertebral disc

MeSH Terms

Adult
Arm
Cervical Vertebrae
Deglutition Disorders*
Diskectomy
Female
Forearm
Humans
Intervertebral Disc
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Muscle Strength
Osteophyte
Physical Examination
Shoulder