Klippel-Feil syndrome
Congenital condition characterized by fusion of cervical vertebrae, creating a shortened neck appearance.
Full Definition
A rare congenital disorder involving fusion of two or more cervical vertebrae, resulting in the classic triad of short neck, low posterior hairline, and limitation of neck movement. The condition occurs due to failure of normal segmentation during embryonic development. Associated anomalies may include scoliosis, renal abnormalities, hearing loss, and cardiac defects. In pediatric orthopedics, patients require careful evaluation for spinal instability, particularly at the C1-C2 level, and may need activity restrictions or surgical stabilization.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate between the two physician names. Often abbreviated as KFS in clinical notes.
In Context
- "The patient's Klippel-Feil syndrome required activity restrictions due to cervical instability." — Treatment planning
- "MRI evaluation was ordered to assess spinal cord involvement in the child with Klippel-Feil syndrome." — Clinical documentation