Zero-Profile Implant System for Treatment of Dysphagia Caused by Noncontiguous Anterior Cervical Osteophytes-A Case Report with Literature Review.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Esophageal cervical spondylosis is a rare type of cervical spondylosis which causes dysphagia. Surgical osteophyte resection is taken when conservative treatment does not respond. However, few reports on its operation and postoperative follow-up. We first present a case showing how the Zero-Profile implant system is utilized to treat dysphagia caused by noncontiguous anterior cervical osteophytes. CASE PRESENTATION A patient with progressive dysphagia was referred to our department. Imaging examinations revealed a large diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) related anterior osteophyte in C3/4, C6/7 and ossification of the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments. Anterior cervical osteophytectomy, discectomy, and fusion were performed on C3/4, C6/7. Two Zero-Profile implants were implanted. Postoperative dysphagia was significantly improved, and the patient was free to swallow large pills or solid foods at nine-years follow-up. CONCLUSION: Osteophyte excision can effectively treat esophageal cervical spondylosis, This case shows that fusion using the Zero-Profile implant system is a viable option for patients with potential cervical instability following osteophyte resection.