Forestier disease: single-center surgical experience and brief literature review

Abstract

Objectives: We describe the experience of our otolaryngology department in the treatment of Forestier disease, particularly regarding the diagnostic process, surgical treatment, and postoperative outcomes.

Methods: The charts of 12 patients who underwent surgical treatment of Forestier disease between January 1, 2003, and January 1, 2009, were analyzed. All patients were subjected to clinical, radiologic, and endoscopic evaluation that confirmed the presence of cervical osteophytes. All patients were treated by a right-sided prevascular transcervical approach to remove cervical osteophytes. A literature review on Forestier disease was also carried out.

Results: One case of immediate postoperative hemorrhage was reported. During the postoperative follow-up, ranging from 1 to 5 years, all patients underwent cervical radiography and fiberoptic laryngoscopy that confirmed no evidence of recurrence, and all patients remained asymptomatic.

Conclusions: A prevascular transcervical right-sided approach seems to be an effective treatment for surgical removal of hyperostosis in Forestier disease, with an acceptable rate of complications and recurrence.