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The symptoms, especially the development and treatment of disease Forestier

Forestier Disease (senile fixing giperostos, ankylosing ligaments) – the appearance in the ligaments of the vertebral column major foci of ossification. Pathology predominantly affects the thoracic and cervical departments and characterized by the presence of adhesions between the vertebral bodies. When there is deposition of calcium salts in the anterior of the intervertebral disc directly under the longitudinal ligament of the spine.

Decode a few "sophisticated" medical terms – ankylosing fixing ligaments. The term "ankylosing" refers to the formation in the longitudinal ligaments of the spine centers of accumulation of calcium. Similar symptoms are observed in ankylosing spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis), but the latter disease is characterized by lesions of small joints and sacroiliac joints. Forestier disease occurs only in older people.

the symptoms of Forestier's disease are manifested by pain and limited mobility

"Fixing" ─ the term means a strong limitation of the spine mobility due to firm fusion of the vertebrae between a large bony osteophytes. "Ligamentos" describes the localization of the lesion in the ligaments.

Clinical symptoms

The Symptoms of senile ankylosing ligaments due not only to the ossification of longitudinal ligament, but the symptom complex secondary changes:

  1. Compression syndrome;
  2. Vertebral syndrome;
  3. Extravertebral changes.

Under compression syndrome is the combination of changes in the body, caused by infringement of the nerve roots in the intervertebral slit, or directly into the spinal cord. The classical marker compression is pain that is localized not only in the back area, but also extends to the upper and lower limbs.

Vertebral syndrome with Forestier disease caused by the deformation of the spinal column and a violation of his mobility. Common symptoms of vertebral there was an increase in kyphosis in the thoracic region and lateral curvature of the spine of the axis.

Extravertebral changes are due to the displacement of internal organs on the background of this pathology. They are diverse, ranging from high blood pressure, and ending with the paralysis of the lower limbs (limited mobility).

The First signs of pathology was described by the French rheumatologist Forestier. He drew attention to the fact that patients after 60-70 years old is often observed hump (round back). The deformation causes a curvature of the cervical-thoracic spine. Less often affects the thoracolumbar part of the vertebral column.

The Above changes ankylosing ligamentos not limited. Over time it affects all of the bone-joint system, due to the irrational distribution of exercise on the human body.

the Anatomical and radiological picture of senile ligaments

x-ray picture of the disease ForestierSenile ligaments radiographs revealed by changes in the intervertebral discs. They "swell" and are embedded in the endplate of the vertebrae (schmorl's hernia). Subsequently they developed hemorrhage, tissue necrosis (death) and by overgrowing of damaged non-functional connective tissue.

Over time in front of the cartilage, calcium salts are deposited and formed by the ossification (ankylosauria). These changes are localized under the anterior longitudinal ligament, so the shots shows a clear chain of foci of ossification along the vertebral column (the symptom of "bamboo stick"). Often confused with ankylosing spondylitis, but it is only necessary to look at the joints of the vertebrae to differentiate these pathological conditions.

Often the foci of calcification are formed in senile hyperostosis on the place of the dead parts of the intervertebral discs. Thus is formed the ossification of the vertebral column, resulting in a loss of his mobility.

Radiological signs of senile ankylosing hyperostosis:

  • Wedge-shaped deformation of the vertebrae;
  • Massive bone "spikes" along the spine;
  • the Absence of lesions of the intervertebral joints;
  • Pathological fractures.

Treatment of Forestier syndrome

The Etiological treatment of senile ligaments does not exist. Forestier disease refers to the degenerative age-related diseases, due to the many changes in the body.

On the background pathology observed osteoporotic changes of the bone tissue (loss of calcium salts). Some doctors in this situation it is recommended to increase the intake of foods rich in this trace mineral. It should be noted that the disease occurs on the background of disturbed metabolism, not the lack of calcium, since foci of ossification of the longitudinal ligaments are rich in these minerals.

Treatment of Forestier disease based on the elimination of symptoms. It is based onthe following principles:

  • When expressed pain syndrome it is necessary to wear orthopedic corsets;
  • Pain therapy is performed with the help of medicines group non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Spinal blockade is assigned when expressed pain syndrome;
  • To strengthen the cartilage of the intervertebral discs takes a long chondroprotectors (alflutop);
  • Normalization of blood supply in the spinal column improves the functionality of the muscles. Applied pentoxifylline;
  • Violation of cardiac activity of reference requires a skilled cardiologist.

Forestier's Disease is an age-related disease that is easier to prevent. Throughout life we should address prevention of pathology of the vertebral column. Follow the correct posture, timely treat diseases of the spine, engage in physiotherapy.