Case study 140 | Klippel-Feil Syndrome | explained by neurosurgeon Dr. Betsy Grunch

Case study 140 - Klippel Feil Syndrome Klippel-Feil syndrome is a bone disorder characterized by the abnormal fusion of two or more spinal bones in the neck. The vertebral fusion is present from birth. Three major features result from this vertebral fusion: a short neck, the resulting appearance of a low hairline at the back of the head, and a limited range of motion in the neck. In people with Klippel-Feil syndrome, the fused vertebrae can limit the range of movement of the neck and back as well as lead to chronic headaches and muscle pain in the neck and back that range in severity. People with minimal bone involvement often have fewer problems compared to individuals with several vertebrae affected. Trauma to the spine, such as a fall or car accident, can aggravate problems in the fused area. Over time, individuals with Klippel-Feil syndrome can develop a narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis) in the neck, which can compress and damage the spinal cord. Affected individuals may develop a painful joint disorder called osteoarthritis around the areas of fused bone or experience painful involuntary tensing of the neck muscles (cervical dystonia). Many people with Klippel-Feil syndrome have scoliosis due to malformation of the vertebrae. (Source:medlineplus.gov) #sundaycasestudy #ladyspinedoc #healthcareworker #hospital #surgery #neurosurgeon #medicalschool #medstudent #medicalstudent #nursing #neckpain #klippelfeilsyndrome #cervicalmyelopathy