ABSTRACT

Introduction: One cause of osteophyte formation is adjacent segment syndrome, which can result from spinal fixation surgery. Compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots due to spinal canal stenosis causes neurological disorders. However, cases with neurological findings similar to central nervous system abnormalities have been seen without spinal canal stenosis. A rare case of osteophyte formation in the anterior cervical spine causing laryngeal stenosis and dysphagia was encountered.

Case Report: A 72-year-old male with an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) at C5–C6 presented with a complaint of dysphagia. No impairment was observed in pharyngeal and laryngeal function; however, osteophytes at C45 and C67 protruded anteriorly, resulting in laryngeal stenosis. This was identified as the underlying cause of the dysphagia. Osteophyte resection and ACDF at C45 and C67 were performed. Following the surgical procedure, there was an improvement in the patient’s dysphagia.

Conclusion: The formation of osteophytes is a consequence of excessive pressure being applied to the intervertebral discs located between neighboring vertebrae. The hypothesis is that the cervical ACDF increased the load on the adjacent vertebrae above and below, leading to the formation of osteophytes. The osteophytes manifested particularly robust formation at the anterior aspect, exerting pressure on the posterior laryngeal wall from a posterior direction and consequently impeding the passage of ingested matter. This case report documents a rare instance of adjacent segment disorder with osteophyte formation. The condition was extremely rare, involving tissue protrusion, narrowing of the airway and difficulty eating and drinking.