epidemiology

Last edited 11/2019 and last reviewed 12/2020

  • Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) is rarely reported in patients younger than 50 years of age

  • overall incidence in the general population is 6 to 12% (1)

  • in the general population over 50 years of age, DISH occurs in about 25% of males, and 15% of females (1)

Prevalence rates increase in patients over 80 years of age, with male and female prevalence rates of 28% and 26%, respectively (1)

It is postulated that the disease course begins between the third and fifth decade of life but manifests clinically at a later age

Reference:

  • Belanger TA, Rowe DE. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis: musculoskeletal manifestations. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2001 Jul-Aug;9(4):258-67