What are the signs and symptoms of Klippel-Feil syndrome?

What are the signs and symptoms of Klippel-Feil syndrome?

Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) symptoms can range from minor discomfort to severe pain and limited range of motion in the neck.

Signs and Symptoms of KFS

  • Visibly shortened neck and/or low hairline behind head.
  • Reduced neck mobility.
  • Neck pain.
  • Headaches.
  • Cervical radiculopathy.
  • Cervical myelopathy.

What is the cause of Klippel-Feil syndrome?

Definition. Klippel-Feil Syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by the congenital fusion of two or more cervical (neck) vertebrae. It is caused by a failure in the normal segmentation or division of the cervical vertebrae during the early weeks of fetal development.

Is Klippel-Feil syndrome life expectancy?

In less than 30% of cases, individuals with KFS will present with heart defects. If these heart defects are present, they often lead to a shortened life expectancy, the average being 35–45 years of age among males and 40–50 among females.

How do I fix Klippel-Feil syndrome?

There is no cure for Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS), so treatments focus on managing the symptoms.
Nonsurgical Treatments for KFS

  1. Physical therapy.
  2. Prescription pain medications.
  3. Back brace and/or cervical collar.
  4. Injections.
  5. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Is Klippel-Feil syndrome a disability?

Klippel-Feil Syndrome, a rare birth disability.

Does Klippel-Feil syndrome get worse?

Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) can worsen over time. If your spine is abnormal, you’re more likely to develop problems as you age, such as degenerative disk problems, which can cause pinched nerves, pain in your back and spine or weakness in your arms or legs.

Is Klippel-Feil syndrome considered a disability?

Can you get surgery for Klippel-Feil syndrome?

Surgical treatment was performed for Klippel–Feil syndrome with severe basilar invagination. Basilar invagination could not be reduced by conservative combination treatment using a halo vest and direct traction. Gentle intraoperative reduction achieved good spinal alignment and reduction of basilar invagination.

Are people with Klippel-Feil syndrome short?

What is Klippel-Feil syndrome? Klippel-Feil syndrome is a rare bone disorder distinguished by the abnormal fusion of two or more bones in the neck. Children with the disorder may have a short, webbed neck, decreased range of motion in the head and neck area, and/or a low hairline at the back of the head.

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