Klippel-Feil syndrome

J O Ozoh,H B Broudie,L D.R Tsatsi

doi:10.4102/sajr.v6i3.1433

J O Ozoh, H B Broudie + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4102/sajr.v6i3.1433

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Abstract

We present a 38-year-old male patient who sustained a minor and superficial stab injury in the left flank as well as a laceration on the scalp overlying the right parietal bone. On examination the classical triad of Klippel-Feil syndrome (short neck, low posterior hair line, limitation of neck movements) were observed. Further investigations revealed a plethora of congenital anomalies, including atlanto-occipital fusion, basilar impression, congenital fusion of CS and C6 vertebrae, scoliosis with convexity to the right side, complete situs inversus, and bilateral pelvic kidneys. Despite these multiple anomalies our patient still lives a relatively normal life and only sought medical help after minor injuries sustained during a brawl, for which he was treated in the hospital and discharged the following day.

Highlights

Despite these multiple anomalies our patient still lives a relatively normal life and only sought medical help after minor injuries sustained during a brawl, for which he was treated in the hospital and discharged the following day
The atlanto-occipital fusion was better demonstrated by the tomogram of the lateral skull and cervical spine (Fig. 2)
KlippelFeil syndrome occurs in 1 of 42 000 births, with equal male to female ratio, and it is believed to have been recognised in an Egyptian mummy in 500 BC,I The classifications as described by Klippel-Feil are: (i) type 1 - a block fusion of all the cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae; (ii) type 2 - fusion of one or two pairs of cervical vertebrae, frequently the second to the third or the fifth to the sixth, which is the most common type; and (iii) type 3 - fusion of the cervical and lower thoracic or lumbar spine.'

Summary

Introduction

Despite these multiple anomalies our patient still lives a relatively normal life and only sought medical help after minor injuries sustained during a brawl, for which he was treated in the hospital and discharged the following day. A 38-year-old man presented with a stab injury in the left flank and laceration of the head. A stab injury in the left flank, and scalp laceration overlying the right parietal region of the skull were observed.

Results

Conclusion