Definition for Klippel-Feil Syndrome

Klippel-Feil syndrome is a rare disorder, initially reported in 1912 by Maurice Klippel and Andre Feil from France, characterized by the congenital fusion of any 2 of the 7 cervical (neck) vertebrae. more

Klippel-Feil syndrome is a rare disorder, initially reported in 1912 by Maurice Klippel and Andre Feil from France, characterized by the congenital fusion of any 2 of the 7 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. The most common signs of the disorder are short neck, low hairline at the back of the head, and restricted mobility of the upper spine. Associated abnormalities may include scoliosis (curvature of the spine), spina bifida, anomalies of the kidneys and the ribs, cleft palate, respiratory problems, and heart malformations. The disorder also may be associated with abnormalities of the head and face, skeleton, sex organs, muscles, brain and spinal cord, arms, legs, and fingers. less