Spinal fusion is commonly used to correct spinal deformities such as scoliosis. Arthrodesis is the last resort in pain relieving procedures, usually when arthroplasties fail. Prognosis
The prognosis for most individuals with KFS is good if the disorder is treated early and appropriately. Activities that can injure the neck should be avoided, as it may contribute to further damage. Other diseases associated with the syndrome can be fatal if not treated, or if found too late to be treatable.In less than 30% of cases, individuals with KFS will present with heart defects. If these heart defects are present, they often lead to a shortened life expectancy, the average being 35–45 years of age among males and 40–50 among females. This condition is similar to the heart failure seen in gigantism. Epidemiology
The prevalence of KFS is unknown due to the lack of studies to determine its prevalence. It is estimated to occur 1 in 40,000 to 42,000 newborns worldwide. In addition, females seem to be affected slightly more often than males. Notable cases
Ancient
A case of a child in Switzerland was discovered in a necropolis dated between 4500 and 4000 BC. In 2009, archaeologists excavating at a Neolithic site of the Đa Bút culture of northern Vietnam discovered the remains of a young man around age 25, "Burial 9", living between 2000 BC and 1500 BC with Klippel–Feil syndrome, who had apparently been supported by his subsistence-level community for at least a decade before his death.
Autosomal recessive inheritance, where both copies of a gene contain mutations, is especially associated with C5-C6 fusion. Another autosomal dominant form (mapped on locus 8q22.2), known as KFS with laryngeal malformation, has been identified. It is also known as segmentation syndrome 1. Diagnosis
The heterogeneity of KFS has made it difficult to outline the diagnosis as well as the prognosis for this disease. Classification
In 1912, Maurice Klippel and Andre Feil independently provided the first descriptions of KFS. They described patients who had a short, webbed neck; decreased range of motion (ROM) in the cervical spine; and a low hairline. Feil subsequently classified the syndrome into 3 categories:
Type I—Fusion of C2 and C3 with occipitalization of the atlas. In 1953, further complications were later reported by McRae; flexion and extension is concentrated within the C1 and C2 vertebrae. As with aging, the odontoid process can become hypermobile, narrowing the space where the spinal cord and brain stem travel (spinal stenosis). Type II—Long fusion below C2 with an abnormal occipital-cervical junction. Similar to the C2-C3 fusion of McRae and could be viewed as a more elaborate variation. Flexion, extension, and rotation are all concentrated in the area of an abnormal odontoid process or poorly developed ring of C1 which cannot withstand the effects of aging. Type III—A single open interspace between two fused segments. Cervical spine motion is concentrated at single open articulation. This hypermobility may lead to instability or degenerative osteoarthritis.