Trans-Oral Endoscopic Resection of High Cervical Osteophytes with Long-term Symptom Resolution: Case Series, Imaging, and Literature Review.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Anterior cervical osteophytes (ACOs) are a common radiological finding in the elderly; rarely, they can cause dysphagia, dysphonia, and dyspnea. Symptomatic ACOs are most commonly found between C4-C7 and much less commonly at higher cervical levels. Here, we present a case series, with an example case of a 57-year-old woman with high cervical osteophytes at C1-C2 causing globus sensation, dysphagia, and dysphonia. Additionally, we provide a literature review regarding the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of ACOs with a focus on management of high ACOs.CASE DESCRIPTION: A 57 year-old smoker with a history of chronic neck pain and previous cervical spinal instrumentation presented with several months of globus sensation, dysphagia, and dysphonia. Imaging revealed two large anterior osteophytes at C1-C2. She underwent endoscopic trans-oral osteophytectomy with resolution of symptoms. Five other patients are also presented who underwent similar procedures.CONCLUSIONS: ACOs are a potential cause of dysphagia, and their diagnosis is best made with CT imaging and oropharyngeal swallow study. Although high ACOs at C1-C2 are a rare finding, here we show with an exemplary case and small case series that they can be effectively treated with trans-oral endoscopic osteophytectomy.

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