title: Anterior Herniation of Partially Calcified and Degenerated Cervical Disc Causing Dysphagia.
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.
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery Clinics, Antalya Education and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Cagatay
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ozdol
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery Clinics, Antalya Education and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Cezmi Cagri
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Turk
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery Clinics, Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ali Erdem
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Yildirim
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery Clinics, Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dalgic
keywords: Cervical vertebrae; Discectomy; Dysphagia; Intervertebral disc; Osteophyte