Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH, also known as Forestier's disease, senile ankylosing spondylosis, and ankylosing hyperostosis) is a non-inflammatory spondyloarthropathy of the spine. It is characterized by spiny ankylosis and enthesopathy (ossification of the ligaments and entheses). It most commonly affects the thoracic and thoraco-lumbar spine, but involvement is variable and can include the entire spine. The disc spaces, facet and sacroiliac joints remain unaffected. Diagnosis requires confluent ossification of at least 4 contiguous vertebral bodies. Classically, advanced disease may have "melted candle wax" appearance along the spine on radiographic studies.