Dysphagia secondary to anterior cervical osteophytes

Abstract

Two cases of dysphagia secondary to anterior cervical osteophytes were successfully treated at the University of Oregon Medical School by surgical excision of the osteophytes. In both cases the cervical osteophytes caused mechanical obstruction to deglutition by esophageal compression. Postoperative x-ray examination confirmed relief of obstruction. Related cases, clinical features, diagnostic steps, and possible mechanisms are discussed.