title: Symptomatic Anterior Cervical Osteophyte Causing Dysphagia: Case Report, Imaging, and Review of the Literature.
abstract: Anterior cervical osteophytes are found in 20-30% of elderly patients. Rarely, severe osteophytes can cause dysphagia, dysphonia, and dyspnea. Here, we illustrate a case of severe dysphagia caused by a large post-traumatic osteophyte with oropharyngeal swallow study showing a significant mass effect on the pharynx and resolution following osteophytectomy. We also review the literature regarding the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of symptomatic anterior cervical osteophytes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Yi-Ren
authors.initials: YR
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Kwang
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sung
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tharin
keywords: cervical osteophyte; osteophytectomy