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Klippel Feil Syndrome Reviewed 05-06-2003 Get Web page suited for printing Email this to a friend or colleague Studies with patients Table of Contents (click to jump to sections) What is Klippel Feil?Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? Organizations What is Klippel Feil? Klippel-Feil Syndrome is a rare disorder 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 (a birth defect of the spine), 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. Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
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