Fracture through fused cervical segments following trauma in a patient with Klippel-Feil syndrome

Br J Neurosurg. 2014 Jun;28(3):408-10. doi: 10.3109/02688697.2014.887653. Epub 2014 Feb 25.

Abstract

Klippel-Feil syndrome (KPS) is a congenital spinal deformity characterised by the presence of at least one fused cervical segment. We report an unusual case of a fracture through fused cervical segment in a patient with KPS, who presented with quadriparesis and progressed on to develop respiratory failure and quadriplegia and who had a successful outcome following surgery. To the best of our knowledge, fracture through fused cervical segments in a Klippel-Feil patient has not been reported previously and this case report extends the spectrum of injuries seen in patients with KPS.

Keywords: Klippel–Feil; cervical spine; fused cervical segment; fusion; trauma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cervical Vertebrae / injuries*
  • Cervical Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary
  • Humans
  • Klippel-Feil Syndrome / complications*
  • Male
  • Quadriplegia / etiology
  • Spinal Fractures / complications*
  • Spinal Fractures / surgery*
  • Spinal Fusion*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult