Zero‐Profile Implant System for Treatment of Dysphagia Caused by Noncontiguous Anterior Cervical Osteophytes—A Case Report with Literature Review

BACKGROUND: Esophageal cervical spondylosis is a rare type of cervical spondylosis which causes dysphagia. Surgical osteophyte resection is taken when conservative treatment does not respond. However, few reports on its operation and postoperative follow‐up. We first present a case showing how the Zero‐Profile implant system is utilized to treat dysphagia caused by noncontiguous anterior cervical osteophytes. CASE PRESENTATION: A patient with progressive dysphagia was referred to our department. Imaging examinations revealed a large diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) related anterior osteophyte in C3/4, C6/7 and ossification of the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments. Anterior cervical osteophytectomy, discectomy, and fusion were performed on C3/4, C6/7. Two Zero‐Profile implants were implanted. Postoperative dysphagia was significantly improved, and the patient was free to swallow large pills or solid foods at nine‐years follow‐up. CONCLUSION: Osteophyte excision can effectively treat esophageal cervical spondylosis, This case shows that fusion using the Zero‐Profile implant system is a viable option for patients with potential cervical instability following osteophyte resection.