Editor-in-Chief: Alaa Abd-Elsayed, MD, PhD
Abstract
- 2025;9;85-87 Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation in a Patient With Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis: Case Report
Case Report
Shabaaz M. Baig, MD, Adejuyigbe Adaralegbe, MD, Sangel Gomez, BA, Tabhata Paulet, BA, Carol Apai, MD, Mia Castiglione, DO, Adejimi Adaralegbe, BA, and Akwasi Amponsah, MD.
BACKGROUND: Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a noninflammatory skeletal disorder causing calcifications and ossification of ligaments and tendons. We present a patient with undiagnosed DISH in whom a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) provided adequate pain relief while the disease progressed to become debilitating.
CASE REPORT: The patient is a 66-year-old woman with an SCS placed for lower back pain due to degenerative changes. The patient presented to the emergency department with progressive right-sided lower extremity weakness and a 3-day history of urinary incontinence. Computed tomography showed new osteophytes consistent with DISH throughout the thoracic spine to the level of T10-T11.
CONCLUSIONS: Our aim with this case report is to demonstrate the importance of preoperative imaging as well as follow-up imaging to evaluate the progression of DISH and having an extensive conversation with patients about whether an SCS is the right choice to manage their pain.