Long-term effects of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis on physical function: A longitudinal analysis.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rheumatology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a common spinal condition in older adults.
• Previous studies primarily focused on DISH prevalence, with limited understanding of its long-term effects.
• Longitudinal data on DISH progression and its impact on physical function and quality of life are scarce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the 6-year progression of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) in older adults.
• To assess the impact of DISH on physical function, health-related quality of life, and spinal alignment.
• To compare longitudinal changes in patients with and without DISH.

Main Methods:

• A 6-year longitudinal cohort study involving 255 older adults (average age 71.3 years).
• Assessment included physical measurements, whole-spine radiographs for spinopelvic parameters, and quality of life questionnaires (Oswestry disability index, EuroQuol-5D).
• A 1:1 case-control analysis compared patients with and without DISH.

Main Results:

• DISH prevalence increased by 4.3% over 6 years, with 71.7% of existing cases showing progression.
• Patients with DISH had higher BMI, lumbar bone mineral density, larger sagittal vertical axis, and greater T1-pelvic angle.
• No significant differences in changes in physical function or spinal-pelvic parameters were observed between DISH and control groups over time.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence and progression of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) are notable over a 6-year period.
• Despite progression, DISH demonstrated minimal impact on longitudinal physical function and quality of life in this cohort.
• Further research may explore specific subgroups or interventions for DISH management.