J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  1980 Sep;9(2):647-652.

Forestier's Disease(Ankylosing Hyperostosis of the Spine): Case Report

• Youn BM
• Koo YD
• Suk JS
• Choi DY

Abstract

The characteristic features of the Forestier's disease, ankylosing hyperostosis of the spine, consist essentially in marginal proliferation at the vertebral edges which are apt to unit their homologues to form bridges and to extend as a bony layer which thickens the vertebral cortex with an overgrowth of bone spreading like a flow. The disease had been long looked upon as vertebral spondylosis or other spinal diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis before Forestier first defined it as a new disease entity. The bony changes could be occurred everywhere on the spinal column, but are mainly confined to the anterior part of the thoracic spine, especially in the right side. It clinically may be of little significance because of little symptoms. Forestier reported 88% of the patients was over 50 years old and 65% was male of 45 cases. Although the pathogenesis is uncertain, a spinal expression of more diffuse ossifying diathesis may be considered. We are reporting a case of the Forestier's disease which was incidentally found on a 55 years old paraplegic patient who had suffered from back trauma.

MeSH Terms

Disease Susceptibility
Humans
Hyperostosis*
Hyperostosis, Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal
Male
Middle Aged
Spinal Diseases
Spine
Spondylitis, Ankylosing
Spondylosis