Klippel-Feil Syndrome Essay
Abstract
Klippel-Feil Syndrome (KFS) is a rare congenital condition characterized by the abnormal fusion of two or more vertebrae in the cervical spine. This results from a failed division in the vertebrae during the early weeks of fetal development. Although KFS is present at birth, milder cases can go undetected for years until symptoms worsen. The various symptoms that accompany KFS can vary from slight to extreme due to the wide possible range of severity of the fusion. For those who suffer from a multiple fusion, the outward manifestation is obvious and the symptoms become very serious. The most common signs of the condition are a short neck, a low hairline at the back of the head, and the neck having a limited range of motion. Most people only have one or two of these signs, and rarely suffer from all three. Overall, the degree in which the visual characteristics and symptoms occur is completely dependent on the extent of the fusion. There is no direct cause of Klippel-Feil Syndrome, and it occurs sporadically. Once identified and diagnosed through the use of diagnostic imaging, specialized treatment can begin. Treatment can be simple enough to where only physical therapy is …show more content…
Each type depends on the number of vertebrae joined together and their location in the spine. Type I involves multiple fusion in the neck and upper part of the thoracic spine resulting in the formation of blocks of bone. Type II is the most common type, and it involves multiple fusions throughout the whole spine from cervical to lumbar. Type III involves a continuous fusion throughout the whole spine from cervical to lumbar. As stated before, the most common visual appearance associated with KFS is a short, webbed neck and a low hairline at the back of the head. Most only suffer from one or two of these signs, and less than 50% have all
Klippel-Feil Syndrome (KFS) is a rare congenital condition characterized by the abnormal fusion of two or more vertebrae in the cervical spine. This results from a failed division in the vertebrae during the early weeks of fetal development. Although KFS is present at birth, milder cases can go undetected for years until symptoms worsen. The various symptoms that accompany KFS can vary from slight to extreme due to the wide possible range of severity of the fusion. For those who suffer from a multiple fusion, the outward manifestation is obvious and the symptoms become very serious. The most common signs of the condition are a short neck, a low hairline at the back of the head, and the neck having a limited range of motion. Most people only have one or two of these signs, and rarely suffer from all three. Overall, the degree in which the visual characteristics and symptoms occur is completely dependent on the extent of the fusion. There is no direct cause of Klippel-Feil Syndrome, and it occurs sporadically. Once identified and diagnosed through the use of diagnostic imaging, specialized treatment can begin. Treatment can be simple enough to where only physical therapy is …show more content…
Each type depends on the number of vertebrae joined together and their location in the spine. Type I involves multiple fusion in the neck and upper part of the thoracic spine resulting in the formation of blocks of bone. Type II is the most common type, and it involves multiple fusions throughout the whole spine from cervical to lumbar. Type III involves a continuous fusion throughout the whole spine from cervical to lumbar. As stated before, the most common visual appearance associated with KFS is a short, webbed neck and a low hairline at the back of the head. Most only suffer from one or two of these signs, and less than 50% have all