Klippel-Feil Syndrome
National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
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General Discussion
Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is a rare skeletal disorder primarily characterized by abnormal union or fusion of two or more bones of the spinal column (vertebrae) within the neck (cervical vertebrae). Some affected individuals may also have an abnormally short neck, restricted movement of the head and neck, and a low hairline at the back of the head (posterior hairline). The disorder is present at birth (congenital), but mild cases may go undiagnosed until later during life when symptoms worsen or first become apparent.
In some individuals, KFS can be associated with a variety of additional symptoms and physical abnormalities. These may include abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis) and/or vertebral instability, spina bifida occulta, raised scapula (Sprengel's deformity), absent rib(s) and other rib defects including cervical ribs, other skeletal abnormalities including skeletal malformations of the ear, nose, mouth and larynx including hearing impairment and cleft palate, malformations of the head and facial (craniofacial) area; anomalies of the urinary tract and/or kidney including absent or horse-shoe kidney; or structural abnormalities of the heart (congenital heart defects), mirror movements, webbing of the digits and digital hypoplasia. In addition, in some cases, neurological complications may result due to associated spinal cord injury.
KFS may occur as an isolated abnormality or in association with certain syndromes. In many individuals with KFS, the condition appears to occur randomly for unknown reasons (sporadically). In other cases, KFS may be inherited as an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive trait. Researchers have determined that some cases of KFS are associated with mutations of the GDF6 gene on chromosome 8.
Supporting Organizations
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
- PO Box 8126
- Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
- Tel: (301)251-4925
- Fax: (301)251-4911
- Tel: (888)205-2311
- Website: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/
Klippel Feil Support
- 2901 Cutters Grove Ave.
- #101
- Anoka, MN 55303
- Email: blackwhitecat95@aol.com
- Website: http://www.klippelfeilsupport.com
Klippel-Feil Syndrome Alliance
- 1312 Oak Ave., Unit 1
- Evanston, IL 60201
- Tel: (734)244-4435
- Email: info@KFSalliance.org
- Website: http://www.KFSalliance.org
Let Them Hear Foundation
- 1900 University Avenue, Suite 101
- East Palo Alto, CA 94303
- Tel: (650)462-3174
- Fax: (650)462-3144
- Email: info@letthemhear.org
- Website: http://www.letthemhear.org
NIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Information Clearinghouse
- One AMS Circle
- Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
- USA
- Tel: (301)495-4484
- Fax: (301)718-6366
- Tel: (877)226-4267
- Email: NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov
- Website: http://www.niams.nih.gov/
For a Complete Report
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). For a full-text version of this report, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
Last Updated: 1/14/2011
Copyright 2011 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
