Cervical instability in Klippel-Feil syndrome: case report and review of the literature. Issue 1 (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wessell, Aaron; DeRosa, Peter; Cherrick, Abraham; Sherman, Jonathan
• Is Part Of: Chinese neurosurgical journal. Volume 1:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 6
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Klippel-Feil syndrome -- Cervical myelopathy -- Radiculopathy -- ACDF; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; 617.48005
• DOI: 10.1186/s41016-015-0002-7
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2057-4967

Abstract

Abstract Background The authors present a case of cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy in the setting of multiple Klippel-Feil syndrome abnormalities treated surgically with a single-level C3–C4 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. We discuss the clinical presentation, radiographic findings, and various treatment options for cervical spine abnormalities in Klippel-Feil syndrome. Case Presentation This 22-year-old female with Klippel-Feil syndrome presented with intermittent neck pain, left upper extremity weakness, and paresthesias. Preoperative MRI, CT, and X-rays of the cervical spine revealed anterolisthesis at C3/4 with unstable movement on flexion and extension imaging. In addition, there were multiple segmental fusion abnormalities including hemivertebrae and other congenital fusion abnormalities. A C3–C4 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion was performed with intervertebral disc spacer. Adequate decompression was achieved with postoperative resolution of the patient's symptoms and improvement in neurological exam. Conclusions Single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion can be utilized for treatment of cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy in the setting of multiple congenital Klippel-Feil syndrome abnormalities.