Introduction: Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) causes bony bridging of the spine and decreased spinal mobility. Several studies have evaluated the association between DISH and physical function; however, a definitive conclusion remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between DISH and physical function in the general middle-aged and elderly population.
Methods: Approximately 50 male and 50 female candidates each in their fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth decade of life were randomly selected from the resident registry of Obuse town for a total of 411 subjects. Lateral radiographs of the whole spine and assessment of physical function were performed in all subjects. The participants were divided into the DISH group (n = 66, 16.1%) and the non-DISH group (n = 345, 83.9%) for statistical comparisons of physical function.
Results: The DISH group performed significantly worse in the stand-up test, 2-step test, and Locomo 25 test, all of which were used to assess physical function. Evaluations according to age group and gender revealed considerably lower scores in the DISH group for overall men and men in their 60s for the stand-up test, overall men and men in their 80s for the 2-step test, and overall men in the Locomo 25 test. Multivariate analysis showed remarkable negative associations of DISH on stand-up test and 2-step test results.
Conclusions: DISH may exert significant adverse effects on physical function in the general middle-aged and elderly population; thus, it should be considered at routine medical health examinations.