Klippel-Feil Syndrome

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Klippel-Feil Syndrome is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

Congenital Cervical Synostosis
KFS
Cervical Vertebral Fusion

Disorder Subdivisions

Klippel-Feil Syndrome, Type I
Klippel-Feil Syndrome, Type II
Klippel-Feil Syndrome, Type III

General Discussion

Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is a rare condition that is evident at birth (congenital). KFS is primarily characterized by abnormal union or fusion of two or more bones of the spinal column (vertebrae) within the neck (cervical vertebrae). Some affected individuals may also have an abnormally short neck, restricted movement of the head and neck, and a low hairline at the back of the head (posterior hairline).

In some individuals with KFS, the condition may be associated with additional physical abnormalities. These may include abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis), rib defects, or other skeletal abnormalities; hearing impairment; certain malformations of the head and facial (craniofacial) area; or structural abnormalities of the heart (congenital heart defects). In addition, in some cases, neurological complications may result due to associated spinal cord injury.

In most individuals with KFS, the condition appears to occur randomly for unknown reasons (sporadically). However, in other cases, KFS may be inherited as an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive trait.
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Resources

NIH/National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
USA
Tel: 3014954484
Fax: 3017186366
Tel: 8772264267
TDD: 3015652966
Email: NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.niams.nih.gov

KFS (Klippel-Feil Syndrome) Network Online
Web Site
On the Internet
Intl
Email: g.catalan@student.murdoch.edu.au
Internet: http://www.home1.gte.net/kfsnet/index.htm

Let Them Hear Foundation
1900 University Ave #101
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
Tel: (650)462-3143
Fax: (650)462-3143
Tel: (877)735-2929
Email: info@letthemhear.org
Internet: http://www.letthemhear.org

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: 5/12/2003
Copyright 1989, 1994, 2000, 2002, 2003 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

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