Dysphagia and Hypertrophic Spurring of the Cervical Spine

Abstract
ASYMPTOMATIC hypertrophic spurs of the anterior margin of the cervical vertebras are not uncommon. However, if the mass of hypertrophic bone projects into the pharynx enough to impinge upon the food passageway, it can mechanically interfere with deglutition. Pain or difficulty in swallowing, foreign-body sensation, lump in the throat and a constant urge to clear the throat are symptoms attributed to this condition.In 1926 Mosher1 described difficulty in swallowing caused by exostoses of the cervical vertebras. In addition to his 2 cases 34 have been reported.2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Surgical excision of the osteophyte was performed on 4 patients.6 , 7 , 15 , 16 The purpose of . . .