Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is not a well known cause of pain and functional limitation of the spine and root joints in middle and old age. The symptomatology is similar to ankylosing spondylitis and both diseases are in clinical practice often confused. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the subjective symptoms and functional findings in patients with the diagnosis of DISH. A group of 65 patients with DISH confirmed by X-ray was examined as to character, localisation, intensity and a frequency of pain and joint movement limitation. The most common symptom was back pain found in 64 (98.46 %) patients and low back pain in 59 (90.77 %) patients, the average age at the beginning of back pain was 40 years. Limitation of movement of the cervical spine (rotation, inclination) was found in 12.5 %, pain during functional examination of the cervical spine in 42.2 %, limited movement of the lumbar spine in 35 %. The most frequent joint pain was found in the knee and the hip joint. The limitation of joint movement was most frequently found during inner rotation of the shoulder. 45 (69.23 %) patients described pain as a rare symptom in the past, 25 (41.5 %) patients as a frequent symptom and 27 (41.5 %) patients described permanent pain at present.

        Key words: diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, pain, ankylosing spondylitis