Symptomatic cervical disc herniation in a pediatric Klippel-Feil patient: the risk of neural injury associated with extensive congenitally fused vertebrae and a hypermobile segment

Brown Sequard syndrome in a patient with Klippel-Feil syndrome following minor trauma: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

There are some cases of Klippel-Feil syndrome with spinal cord injury in clinical work. However, there is no literature report on Brown-Sequard syndrome after trauma. We report a case of Brown-Sequard syndrome following minor trauma in a patient with KFS type III. Her Brown-Sequard syndrome is caused by Klippel-Feil syndrome.

CASE PRESENTATION

We found a 38-year-old female patient with KFS in our clinical work. She was unconscious on the spot following a minor traumatic episode. After treatment, her whole body was numb and limb activity was limited. Half an hour later, she felt numb and weak in the right limb and weak in the left limb. She had no previous hypertension, diabetes, or coronary heart disease. After one-month treatment of medication, hyperbaric oxygen, rehabilitation, and acupuncture in our hospital, her muscle strength partially recovered, but the treatment effect was still not satisfactory. Then, she underwent surgical treatment and postoperative comprehensive treatment, and rehabilitation training. She was able to take care of herself with assistance, and her condition improved from grade B to grade D according to the ASIA (ASIA Impairment Scale) classification.

CONCLUSION

KFS, also known as short neck deformity, is a kind of congenital deformity characterized by impaired formation and faulty segmentation of the cervical spine, often associated with abnormalities of other organs. The cervical deformity in patients with KFS can alter the overall mechanical activity of the spine, as well as the compensatory properties of the spine for decelerating and rotatory forces, thus increasing the chance of spinal cord injury (SCI) following trauma. Many mechanisms can make patients more susceptible to injury. Increased range of motion of the segment adjacent to the fused vertebral body may lead to slippage of the adjacent vertebral body and altered disc stress, as well as cervical instability. SCI can result in complete or incomplete impairment of motor, sensory and autonomic nervous functions below the level of lesion. This woman presented with symptoms of BSS, a rare neurological disorder with incomplete SCI. Judging from the woman's symptoms, we concluded that previously she had KFS, which resulted in SCI without fracture and dislocation following minor trauma, with partial BSS. After the comprehensive treatment of surgery, hyperbaric oxygen, rehabilitation therapy, and neurotrophic drugs, two years later, we found her symptoms significantly improved, with ASIA Impairment Scale from grade B to grade D, and her ability to perform activities of daily living with aids.

Transmandibular Cervical Corpectomy for Persistent Spinal Cord Compression in a Patient With Klippel-Feil Syndrome: A Technical Note and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Few studies have described a transmandibular approach for decompression in a patient with Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) for cervical myelopathy.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the transmandibular approach in a KFS patient with cervical myelopathy and to perform a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Embase and PubMed databases were searched from January 2002 to November 2022 for articles examining patients with KFS undergoing cervical decompression and/or fusion for cervical myelopathy and/or radiculopathy were included. Articles describing compression due to nonbony causes, lumbar/sacral surgery, nonhuman studies, or symptoms only from basilar invagination/impression were excluded. Data collected were sex, median age, Samartzis type, surgical approach, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 27 studies were included, with 80 total patients. Thirty-three patients were female, and the median age ranged from 9 to 75 years. Forty-nine patients, 16 patients, and 13 patients were classified as Samartzis Types I, II, and III, respectively. Forty-five patients, 21 patients, and 6 patients underwent an anterior, posterior, and combined approach, respectively. Five postoperative complications were reported. One article reported a transmandibular approach for access to the cervical spine.

CONCLUSION

Patients with KFS are at risk of developing cervical myelopathy. Although KFS manifests heterogeneously and may be treated through a variety of approaches, some manifestations of KFS may preclude traditional approaches for decompression. Surgical exposure through the anterior mandible may prove an option for cervical decompression in patients with KFS.

Klippel-Feil Syndrome: Clinical Presentation and Management

»

Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is a rare multisystem constellation of findings with congenital cervical fusion as the hallmark. The etiology is not fully understood.

»

Recent studies have indicated that KFS is more prevalent than previously described.

»

Hypermobility in the nonfused segments may lead to adjacent segment disease and potential disc herniation and myelopathy after minor trauma.

»

Most patients with KFS are asymptomatic and can be managed nonoperatively. Surgical treatment is reserved for patients presenting with pain refractory to medical management, instability, myelopathy or radiculopathy, or severe adjacent segment disease.

»

Patients with craniocervical abnormalities and upper cervical instability should avoid contact sports as they are at increased risk for spinal cord injury after minor trauma.

Cervical myelopathy in a child with Sprengel shoulder and Klippel-Feil syndrome

PURPOSE

Sprengel shoulder, Klippel-Feil syndrome and congenital scoliosis are associated conditions. Cervical myelopathy in a child due to a concomitant omovertebral bar causing posterior cord compression and a hypermobile cervical disc protrusion adjacent to fused cervical segments causing anterior compression at the same level is very rare. We report the presentation, findings, surgical management and results of treatment in such a child.

METHODS

A 9-year-old girl with Sprengel shoulder presented with cervical myelopathy (Frankel D). Imaging revealed a bony omovertebral bar connected to the left scapula compressing the spinal cord posteriorly through a lamina defect at C5 resulting in significant cervical stenosis. A hypermobile disc protrusion adjacent to congenitally fused segments resulted in anterior compression at the same level. She was treated surgically with cervical laminectomy and instrumented fusion, excision of the omovertebral bar and modified Woodward procedure for the left Sprengel shoulder.

RESULTS

At 2 year follow-up, she had improved neurologically (Frankel E) and there was improved shoulder symmetry and abduction. MRI showed resolution of cervical stenosis. Although there was no significant progression of congenital scoliosis, it will need to be monitored.

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical myelopathy due to an omovertebral bar and cervical disc protrusion in a child with Klippel-Feil syndrome and Sprengel shoulder is a rare presentation and can be treated with a single posterior approach addressing both pathologies.

Congenital Fusion of Dens to T3 Vertebra in Klippel-Feil Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome may present with neurologic complaints such as neck pain, radiculopathy and gait instability. Here we describe surgical management of a patient with congenital fusion of the occipital-cervical region and also block circumferential fusion of dens to T3 with spinal cord compression. This report is the first of its kind with such extensive fusion.

CASE DESCRIPTION

Our patient was a 56 year-old female, who presented with neck pain and tingling in all extremities. On exam, she had a short neck, prominent jaw with extremely limited range of motion in neck and features of myelopathy. CT showed fusion of the dens to T3 vertebrae. Patient underwent sub-occipital craniectomy, C1 laminectomy and Occiput to T5 posterior fixation and fusion with neurologic improvement.

CONCLUSION

This is the first reported case of Klippel-Feil syndrome with fusion of all cervical vertebrae down to T3. We recommend surgery for advanced cases of myelopathy or radiculopathy due to stenosis and spinal instability.

Anesthesia for elective bilateral sagittal slip osteotomy of the mandible and genioplasty in a young man with Klippel-Feil syndrome, Sprengel deformity, and mandibular prognathism

Klippel-Feil syndrome is characterized by congenital fusion of two or more cervical vertebrae, a low hair line at the back of the head, restricted neck mobility, and other congenital anomalies. We report a 16-year-old young man with Klippel-Feil syndrome, Sprengel deformity of the right scapula, thoracic kyphoscoliosis, and mandibular prognathism with an anterior open bite. He was treated with orthodontic treatment and maxillofacial surgery. An anticipated difficult airway due to a short neck with restricted neck movements and extrinsic restrictive lung disease due to severe thoracic kyphoscoliosis increased his anesthesia risk. Due to his deviated nasal septum and contralateral inferior turbinate hypertrophy, we chose awake fiber optic orotracheal intubation followed by submental intubation. Considering the cervical vertebral fusion, he was carefully positioned during surgery to avoid potential spinal injury. He recovered well and his postoperative course was uneventful.

The prevalence of Klippel-Feil syndrome in pediatric patients: analysis of 831 CT scans

Background

To evaluate the prevalence of Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) in pediatric patients obtaining cervical CT imaging in the emergency room (ER).

Methods

We evaluated CT scans of the cervical spine of pediatric patients treated in the ER of a Level I Trauma Center from January 2013 to December 2015. Along with analysis of the CT scans for KFS, the following demographics were collected: age, sex, race and ethnicity. Mechanism of injury was also established for all patients. If KFS was present, it was classified using Samartzis classification as type I (single level fusion), type II (multiple, noncontiguous fused segments) or type III (multiple, contiguous fused segments).

Results

Of the 848 cervical CTs taken for pediatric ER patients during the study period, 831 were included. Of these patients, 10 had KFS, a prevalence of 1.2%. According to Samartzis classification, 9 were type I and 1 type III. The average age of patients with KFS was 16.02 years (10-18 years), with 8 males (80%) and 2 females (20%). Three had congenital fusions at vertebral levels C2-C3, two at C3-C4, three at C5-C6, one at C6-C7, and one with multiple levels of cervical fusion.

Conclusions

The prevalence of KFS amongst 831 pediatric patients, who underwent cervical CT imaging over a 3-year period, was 1.2% (approximately 1 in 83). The most commonly fused spinal levels were C2-C3 and C5-C6. The prevalence of KFS in our study was higher than previously described, and thus warrants monitoring.

Klippel-Feil: A constellation of diagnoses, a contemporary presentation, and recent national trends

Background:

Klippel–Feil syndrome (KFS) includes craniocervical anomalies, low posterior hairline, and brevicollis, with limited cervical range of motion; however, there remains no consensus on inheritance pattern. This study defines incidence, characterizes concurrent diagnoses, and examines trends in the presentation and management of KFS.

Methods:

This was a retrospective review of the Kid's Inpatient Database (KID) for KFSpatients aged 0–20 years from 2003 to 2012. Incidence was established using KID-supplied year and hospital-trend weights. Demographics and secondary diagnoses associated with KFS were evaluated. Comorbidities, anomalies, and procedure type trends from 2003 to 2012 were assessed for likelihood to increase among the years studied using ANOVA tests.

Results:

Eight hundred and fifty-eight KFS diagnoses (age: 9.49 years; 51.1% females) and 475 patients with congenital fusion (CF) (age: 8.33 years; 50.3% females) were analyzed. We identified an incidence rate of 1/21,587 discharges. Only 6.36% of KFS patients were diagnosed with Sprengel's deformity; 1.44% with congenital fusion. About 19.1% of KFS patients presented with another spinal abnormality and 34.0% presented with another neuromuscular anomaly. About 36.51% of KFS patients were diagnosed with a nonspinal or nonmusculoskeletal anomaly, with the most prevalent anomalies being of cardiac origin (12.95%). About 7.34% of KFS patients underwent anterior fusions, whereas 6.64% of KFS patients underwent posterior fusions. The average number of levels operated on was 4.99 with 8.28% receiving decompressions. Interbody devices were used in 2.45% of cases. The rate of fusions with <3 levels (7.46%) was comparable to that of 3 levels or greater (7.81%).

Conclusions:

KFS patients were more likely to have other spinal abnormalities (19.1%) and nonnervous system abnormalities (13.63%). Compared to congenital fusions, KFS patients were more likely to have congenital abnormalities such as Sprengel's deformity. KFS patients are increasingly being treated with spinal fusion.

Level of Evidence:

III

Anomalous vertebral arteries in Klippel-Feil syndrome with occipitalized atlas: CT angiography

Klippel-Feil syndrome is an uncommon anomaly that may be asymptomatic. Early clinical signs such as restricted neck motion or short neck can be subtle and incorrectly treated as spasms. High incidence of associated craniovertebral junction (CVJ) anomalies such as occipitalized atlas predisposes them to serious neurologic complications requiring invasive procedures and surgeries. However, these often have anomalous vertebral artery course which is more prone to injury during CVJ procedures, and also sparsely known in radiology literature. We demonstrate the importance of computed tomography angiography in preprocedural planning to avoid catastrophic injury to anomalous vertebral artery at CVJ in such case.

"Clinical triad" findings in pediatric Klippel-Feil patients

BACKGROUND

It has been propagated that patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) exhibit "clinical triad" findings (CTFs), known as a short neck, low posterior hairline, and limited cervical range of motion (ROM). However, the literature has noted that up to 50 % of KFS cases may not present with such findings and the reasoning behind such assertions remains speculative. As such, the following study addressed the association between CTFs to that of congenitally-fused cervical segments and other risk factors in KFS patients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective clinical study based on prospectively collected radiographic data. Thirty-one KFS patients at a single institution were assessed. Radiographs were used to evaluate the location and extent of congenitally-fused segments (spanning the occiput (O) to the first thoracic vertebra (T1)), as well as examining coronal and sagittal cervical alignments based on the Samartzis et al. KFS classification. Clinical records were evaluated to account for the initial clinical assessment of CTFs. Patients were further stratified into two groups: Group 1 included patients noted to have any CTFs, while Group 2 included patients who had no such findings.

RESULTS

There were 12 males and 19 females (mean age at initial consultation: 9.7 years). No evidence of any of the CTFs was shown in 35.5 % of patients, whereas 38.7, 16.2 and 9.7 % were determined to have one, two or all three criteria, respectively. Limited cervical ROM was the most common finding (64.5 % of patients). In Group 1, 25 % had a short neck, 30 % a low posterior hairline, and 100 % exhibited limited cervical ROM. Group 1 had a mean of 3.9 fused cervical segments, whereas Group 2 had a mean of 2.5 fused cervical segments (p = 0.028). Age, sex-type, occipitalization and alignment parameters did not significantly differ to Group-type (p > 0.05). In Group 1, based on the Samartzis et al. Types I, II, and III, 16.7, 73.3, and 80.0 % of the patients, respectively, had at least one CTF.

CONCLUSIONS

Complete CTFs were not highly associated during the clinical assessment of young KFS patients. However, KFS patients with extensive, congenitally-fused segments (i.e. Samartzis et al. Type III) were significantly more likely to exhibit one of the components of the CTF, which was predominantly a limited cervical ROM. Clinicians managing young pediatric patients should not rely on the full spectrum of CTFs and should maintain a high-index of suspicion for KFS, in particular in individuals that exhibit associated spinal findings, such as congenital scoliosis.

Two Cases of Klippel-Feil Syndrome with Cervical Myelopathy Successfully Treated by Simple Decompression without Fixation

Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is a congenital developmental disorder of cervical spine, showing short neck with restricted neck motion, low hairline, and high thoracic cage due to multilevel cervical fusion. Radiculopathy or myelopathy can be accompanied. There were 2 patients who were diagnosed as KFS with exhibited radiological and physical characteristics. Both patients had stenosis and cord compression at C1 level due to anterior displacement of C1 posterior arch secondary to kyphotic deformity of upper cervical spine, which has been usually indicative to craniocervical fixation. One patient was referred due to quadriparesis detected after surgery for aortic arch aneurysmal dilatation. The other patient was referred to us due to paraparesis and radiating pain in all extremities developed during gynecological examinations. Decompressive C1 laminectomy was done for one patient and additional suboccipital craniectomy for the other. No craniocervical fixation was done because there was no spinal instability. Motor power improved immediately after the operation in both patients. Motor functions and spinal stability were well preserved in both patients for 2 years. In KFS patients with myelopathy at the C1 level without C1-2 instability, a favorable outcome could be achieved by a simple decompression without spinal fixation.

Klippel - Feil Syndrome Associated with Congential Heart Disease Presentaion of Cases and a Review of the Curent Literature

First time described in 1912, from Maurice Klippel and Andre Feil independently, Klippel-Feil syndrome (synonyms: cervical vertebra fusion syndrome, Klippel-Feil deformity, Klippel-Feil sequence disorder) is a bone disorder characterized by the abnormal joining (fusion) of two or more spinal bones in the neck (cervical vertebrae), which is present from birth. Three major features result from this abnormality: a short neck, a limited range of motion in the neck, and a low hairline at the back of the head. Most affected people have one or two of these characteristic features. Less than half of all individuals with Klippel-Feil syndrome have all three classic features of this condition.

Since first classification from Feil in three categories (I – III) other classification systems have been advocated to describe the anomalies, predict the potential problems, and guide treatment decisions. Patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome usually present with the disease during childhood, but may present later in life. The challenge to the clinician is to recognize the associated anomalies that can occur with Klippel-Feil syndrome and to perform the appropriate workup for diagnosis.

Syndromic versus nonsyndromic atlantoaxial dislocation: do clinico-radiological differences have a bearing on management?

BACKGROUND

This prospective study attempts to study the clinico-radiological differences between patients with syndromic AAD (SAAD), non-syndromic AAD (NSAAD), and AAD with Klippel-Feil anomaly (AADKFA) that may impact management.

METHODS

In 46 patients with AAD [SAAD (including Morquio, Down, Larson and Marshall syndrome and achondroplasia; n = 6); NSAAD(n = 20); and, AADKFS (n = 20)], myelopathy was graded as mild (n = 17, 37 %), moderate (15, 32.5 %) or severe (14, 30.5 %) based on Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score modified for Indian patients (mJOAS). Basilar invagination (BI), basal angle, odontoid hypoplasia, facet-joint angle, effective canal diameter, Ishihara curvature index, and angle of retroversion of odontoid and vertebral artery (VA) variations were also studied.

STATISTICS

Clinico-radiological differences were assessed by Fisher's exact test, and mean craniometric values by Kruskal-Wallis test (p value ≤ 0.05 significant)

RESULTS

Incidence of irreducible AAD in SAAD (n = 0), NSA AD (11.55 %) and AADKFS (n = 18.90 %) showed significant difference (p = 0.01). High incidence of kyphoscoliosis (83 %) and odontoid hypoplasia (83 %) in SAAD, and assimilated atlas and BI in NSAAD and AADKFA groups were found. In AADKFA, effective canal diameter was significantly reduced(p = 0.017) with increased Ishihara index and increased angle of odontoid retroversion; 61 % patients had VA variations. Thirty-five patients underwent single-stage transoral decompression with posterior fusion (for irreducible AAD) or direct posterior stabilization (for reducible AAD). Postoperative mJOAS evaluation often revealed persistent residual myelopathy despite clinical improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Myelopathy is induced by recurrent cord trauma due to reducible AAD in SAAD, and compromised cervicomedullary canal diameter in NSAAD and AADKFA. SAAD in children may be missed due to incomplete odontoid ossification or coexisting angular deformities. In AADKFA, decisions regarding vertebral levels to be included in posterior stabilization should take into consideration intact intervening motion segments and compensatory cervical hyperlordosis. Following VA injury, endovascular primary vessel occlusion/stenting across pseudoaneurysm preempts delayed rehemorrhage.

Symptomatic cervical disc herniation in teenagers: two case reports

Introduction

The development of a symptomatic herniated cervical disc before the age of 20 is extremely rare. Sporadically reported cases of patients with cervical disc herniation under the age of 20 usually have had underlying disease.

Case presentation

Case 1: A 19-year-old Asian man visited our clinic and presented with progressive pain in his upper left scapula and weakness of the left deltoid and biceps brachii muscles. C5 radiculopathy by soft disc herniation at C4-C5 without calcification was diagnosed. Microsurgical posterior foraminotomy was performed and he recovered completely eight weeks after the surgery.

Case 2: A 15-year-old Asian man presented with difficulty in lifting his arm and neck pain on the right side. Neurological examination showed weakness of the right deltoid and biceps brachii muscles. A magnetic resonance imaging scan demonstrated a herniated intervertebral disc in the right C4-C5 foramen. The patient was treated conservatively and put under observation only, and had completely recovered eight weeks after admission.

Conclusion

Although extremely rare, symptomatic cervical disc herniations may occur even in the younger population under the age of 20 without any trauma or underlying disease. Favorable outcomes can be achieved by conventional treatments for cervical disc herniation.

Endogenous-lesioned cervical disc herniation: a retrospective review of 9 cases

The purpose of this study was to analyze the pathogenic mechanisms, clinical presentation, and surgical treatment of cervical disc herniation without external trauma. Between 2004 and 2008, 9 patients with cervical disc herniation and no antecedent history of trauma were diagnosed with cervical disc herniation and underwent surgical decompression. Pathogenic mechanisms, clinical presentation, surgical treatment, and prognosis were analyzed retrospectively. In 6 patients, herniation resulted from excessive neck motion rather than from external trauma. An injury from this source is termed an endogenous-lesioned injury. Patients exhibited neurologic symptoms of compression of the cervical spinal cord or nerve roots. In the other 3 patients, no clear cause for the herniation was recorded, but all patients had a desk job with long periods of head-down neck flexion posture. After surgery, all patients experienced a reduction in their symptoms and an uneventful recovery. Cervical disc herniation can occur in the absence of trauma. Surgical decompression is effective at reducing symptoms in these patients, similar to other patients with cervical disc herniation. Surgical treatment may be considered for this disorder when the herniation becomes symptomatic.

[Double traumatic cervical spine lesion (odontoid fracture and spinal cord injury) and Klippel-Feil syndrome]

Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is defined as a congenital fusion of at least two cervical vertebrae. Patients with KFS are known to be at high risk for spinal cord injury in case of cervical trauma even with weak kinetic. We report the case of a patient with C4-C5 and C6-C7 congenital fusion, harbouring C5-C6 post-traumatic spinal cord injury, associated with an odontoid fracture type 2 of Anderson and D'Alonzo classification following a motorbike accident.

Large C4/5 spondylotic disc bulge resulting in spinal stenosis and myelomalacia in a Klippel-Feil patient

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this report is to document a case of cervical spinal stenosis and myelomalacia in a patient with Klippel-Feil (KF) syndrome with a large C4/5 disc bulge presenting with cervical radiculopathy.

SUBJECT

A 39-year-old man was referred to a private chiropractic practice for a consultation. He complained of limited motion in his neck with pain and numbness radiating down both arms and left leg. Diagnostic imaging revealed KF syndrome and a large spondylotic disc bulge at C4/5 compressing the cord and causing myelomalacia. A plethora of symptoms and objective findings associated with KF syndrome were also present.

RESULTS

After reviewing the previous diagnostic imaging, examining this patient, and discovering that upper motor neuron pathological reflexes were present, the patient was recommended to proceed with the surgical intervention as recommended by his neurosurgeon. No chiropractic care was rendered.

CONCLUSIONS

This patient presented with primary complaints consistent with cervical radiculopathy. However, due to the severity of the neurologic findings and presence of myelomalacia, the patient was not treated. The patient had not previously been diagnosed with KF syndrome, although he presented clinically with many of the congenital issues commonly associated with the condition. This case demonstrates the vital importance of differential diagnostic skills as well as the need to continue fostering improved communication and integration of care among various clinical disciplines for patients presenting with challenging symptoms.

Incidental vertebral lesions

Incidental vertebral lesions on imaging of the spine are commonly encountered in clinical practice. Contributing factors include the aging population, the increasing prevalence of back pain, and increased usage of MR imaging. Additionally, refinements in CT and MR imaging have increased the number of demonstrable lesions. The management of incidental findings varies among practitioners and commonly depends more on practice style than on data or guidelines. In this article we review incidental findings within the vertebral column and review management of these lesions, based on available Class III data.

Pediatric disk herniation

Pediatric disk herniation is a rare condition that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the child with back pain or radiating leg pain. Because pediatric disk herniation is relatively uncommon, there is typically a delay in diagnosis compared with time to diagnosis of adult disk herniation. Pediatric disk herniations are often recalcitrant to nonsurgical care, but such measures should be attempted in patients who present with isolated pain symptoms and have a normal neurologic examination. Twenty-eight percent of adolescent disk herniations involve apophyseal fractures; this presentation has a higher rate of surgical intervention than do herniations without fracture. Surgical management of pediatric disk herniation involves laminotomy and fragment excision. Short-term data demonstrate excellent pain relief, with 1% of children requiring repeat surgery for lumbar disk pathology in the first year. Long-term data suggest that 20% to 30% of patients will require additional surgery later in life.

Cervical scoliosis in the Klippel-Feil patient

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE

This study addressed in patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS), the role of congenitally fused cervical patterns, risk factors, and cervical symptoms associated with cervical scoliosis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

KFS is an uncommon condition, characterized as improper segmentation of one or more cervical spine segments with or without associated spinal or extraspinal manifestations. "Scoliosis" is potentially the most common manifestation associated with KFS. However, the role of congenitally fused cervical patterns along with additional potential risk factors and their association with cervical scoliosis, and its relationship with cervical spine-related symptoms remain largely unknown.

METHODS

Plain radiographs were utilized to assess the location of congenitally fused cervical segments (O-T1), degree of coronal cervical alignment, and any additional cervical and thoracic spine abnormalities. The classification scheme, as proposed by Samartzis et al of congenitally fused cervical patterns (Types I-III) in KFS patients, was utilized and additional fusion and region-specific patterns were assessed. Patients with coronal cervical alignments of 10° or greater were regarded scoliotic. Patient demographics and the presence of cervical spine-related symptoms were also assessed.

RESULTS

Thirty KFS patients were assessed (mean age, 13.5 yr). The mean coronal cervical alignment was 18.7° and scoliosis was noted in 16 patients. Patients that exhibited congenital fusion of the mid and lower cervical spine region, had multiple, contiguous congenitally fused segments (Type III), and associated vertebral malformations (e.g., hemivertebrae) were highly associated with the presence of cervical scoliosis (P < 0.05). Ten patients exhibited cervical spine-related symptoms; however, no statistically significant difference was noted between the presence of symptoms and coronal cervical alignment (P = 0.815) and cervical scoliosis (P = 0.450).

CONCLUSION

The study noted a prevalence of cervical scoliosis to occur in 53.3% of young KFS patients. Such patients that exhibited congenital fusion of the mid and lower cervical spine region, had multiple, contiguous congenitally fused segments (Type III), and associated vertebral malformations (e.g., hemivertebrae) were highly associated with the presence of cervical scoliosis. However, in young KFS patients, the presence of cervical scoliosis may not be associated with the manifestation of cervical spine-related symptoms.

Tissue engineering for intervertebral disk degeneration

Many challenges confront intervertebral disk engineering owing to complexity and the presence of extraordinary stresses. Rebuilding a disk of native function could be useful for removal of the symptoms and correction of altered spine kinematics. Improvement in understanding of disk properties and techniques for disk engineering brings promise to the fabrication of a functional motion segment for the treatment of disk degeneration. Increasing sophistication of techniques available in biomedical sciences will bring its application into clinics. This review provides an account of current progress and challenges of intervertebral disk bioengineering and discusses means to move forward and toward bedside translation.

Atlantoaxial rotatory fixation in the setting of associated congenital malformations: a modified classification system

STUDY DESIGN

A case report.

OBJECTIVE

To raise awareness of the development of atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF) in the setting of congenital vertebral anomalies/malformations.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Klippel-Feil Syndrome (KFS) is a complex, heterogeneous condition noted as congenital fusion of 2 or more cervical vertebrae with or without spinal or extraspinal manifestations. Although believed to be a rare occurrence in the population, KFS may be underreported. Proper diagnosis of KFS and other congenital conditions affecting the spine is imperative to devise proper management protocols and avoid potential complications resulting from the altered biomechanics associated with such conditions and their abnormal vertebral morphology. Craniovertebral dislocation and AARF may cause severe cervicomedullary and spinal cord compression and could thereby be potentially fatal, especially in patients with KFS who present with congenitally-associated comorbidities.

METHODS

A 13-year-old boy with Chiari type I malformation, craniofacial abnormalities, and other irregularities underwent thoracolumbar spine surgery for his scoliosis curve correction at another institution, which immediately following surgery he became a quadriparetic. The initial preoperative assessment of his cervical spine was limited and the associated KFS was initially undiagnosed. At 14 years of age, he presented to our clinic with an ASIA-C spinal cord injury. Plain radiographs, normal and 3-dimensional reformatted computed tomographs (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) noted assimilation of the patient's occiput to the atlas (occipitalization) with congenital fusion of C2-C3, indicative of KFS, and the presence of anterior craniovertebral dislocation with a Fielding and Hawkins type II AARF. Closed reduction of the craniovertebral dislocation was noted, but his atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation was nonresponsive and fixed (AARF). As such, at the age of 14, the patient underwent posterior instrumentation and fusion from the occiput to C4 to maintain reduction of thecraniovertebral dislocation and reduce his AARF.

RESULTS

At 9 months postoperative follow-up of his craniovertebral surgery, the instrumentation remained intact, reduction of the atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation was maintained, and posterior bone fusion was noted. Neurologically, he remained an ASIA-C without any substantial return of function.

CONCLUSION

This report raises awareness for the need of a thorough evaluation of the cervical spine to determine patients at high risk for craniovertebral dislocation and atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation, primarily in the context of KFS or other congenital conditions. Three-dimensional CT and MR imaging are ideal radiographic methods to determine the presence and extent of craniovertebral dislocation, AARF, and of abnormal vertebral anatomy/malformations. In addition, the authors propose a modification to the Fielding and Hawkins classification of AARF to include variants and subtypes that account for abnormal anatomy and congenital anomalies/malformations.

Fitness, motor competence, and body composition are weakly associated with adolescent back pain

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the associations between adolescent back pain and fitness, motor competence, and body composition.

BACKGROUND

Although deficits in physical fitness and motor control have been shown to relate to adult back pain, the evidence in adolescents is less clear.

METHODS AND MEASURES

In this cross-sectional study, 1608 "Raine" cohort adolescents (mean age, 14 years) answered questions on lifetime, month, and chronic prevalence of back pain, and participated in a range of physical tests assessing aerobic capacity, muscle performance, flexibility, motor competence, and body composition.A history of any diagnosed back pain in the adolescent was obtained from the primary caregiver.

RESULTS

After multivariate logistic regression analysis, increased likelihood of back pain in boys was associated with greater aerobic capacity, greater waist girth, and both reduced and greater flexibility. Back pain in girls was associated with greater abdominal endurance, reduced kinesthetic integration, and both reduced and greater back endurance. Lower likelihood of back pain was associated with greater bimanual dexterity in boys and greater lower extremity power in girls.

CONCLUSION

Physical characteristics are commonly cited as important risk factors in back pain development. Although some factors were associated with adolescent back pain, and these differed between boys and girls, they made only a small contribution to logistic regression models for back pain. The results suggest future work should explore the interaction of multiple domains of risk factors (physical, lifestyle, and psychosocial) and subgroups of adolescent back pain, for whom different risk factors may be important.

Disc prolapse and cord contusion in a case of Klippel-Feil syndrome following minor trauma

Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is defined as congenital fusion of two or more cervical vertebrae and patients with KFS are frequently asymptomatic. However, these patients are especially prone to cervical cord injury after a minor fall or a major traumatic episode. We report an unusual case of KFS where the patient had disc prolapse between two Klippel-Feil segments and discuss the difficulties in the management of this case.

The extent of fusion within the congenital Klippel-Feil segment

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective radiographic review.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate in patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) the presence and extent of specific fusion patterns across involved cervical segments and their association with age-specific parameters.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

While the radiographic hallmark of KFS is characterized by congenital fusion of at least one cervical motion segment, the relation between age and the extent of segmental congenital fusion remains speculative.

METHODS

A radiographic review of 31 patients with KFS at a single institution. Plain radiographs were used to assess fusion across the vertebral segment as entailing the anterior elements, posterior elements, or complete segment from O-T1. Age-specific stratifications were also performed.

RESULTS

A mean of 3.7 fused segments and a sum of 116 fused segments were noted. From C2-T1, complete fusion of the involved segment represented 77.8% at 10 years or older, 87.5% at 15 years or older, 91.7% at 16 years or older, 95.7% at 17 years or older, 86.5% who were skeletally mature, and 100% at adulthood. Similar trends were not noted for segments of O-C2. In absence of complete segmental fusion, the posterior elements exhibited a higher incidence of fusion than the anterior elements. Statistically significant differences between anterior/posterior to complete segmental fusion with respect to different age markers entailed segments of C2-C3, C4-C5, and C6-C7 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study provides some insight into the potential developmental aspects of the extent of segmental fusion of the cervical spine in patients with KFS. In older patients, complete fusion of involved fused segments was more prevalent in regards to C2-T1; however, such an observation was not noted for segments from O-C2. In the absence of complete segmental fusion, fusion of the posterior elements was more often noted than fusion of the anterior elements. Awareness of the varied phenotypic expression of segmental fusion patterns of the cervical spine in patients with KFS underlines theimportance of thorough evaluation of the cervical spine to assess the presence and extent of segmental fusion to facilitate in the identification of neurologic risk factors.

2008 Young Investigator Award: The role of congenitally fused cervical segments upon the space available for the cord and associated symptoms in Klippel-Feil patients

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective radiographic and retrospective clinical chart review.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the role of congenitally fused cervical segments in relation to the space available for the cord (SAC) and associated cervical spine-related symptoms (CSS) in patients with Klippel-Feil Syndrome (KFS).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

KFS is a developmental disorder presenting with congenital fusion of at least 2 cervical vertebrae. The effects of congenitally fused cervical segments in relation to the SAC and associated symptoms in KFS patients remain speculative and have not been thoroughly addressed in the literature.

METHODS

At a single institution, a prospective radiographic and clinical evaluation of 29 KFS patients was conducted. Based on plain radiographs, assessment of the SAC consisted of the posterior atlantodens interval, the midvertebral body SAC (C2-C7), and the interbody SAC (C2-C3-C7-T1). Vertebral body width (VBW) from C2 to C7 and the presence of occipitalization (O-C1) were also noted. Torg ratios were obtained at each level. Demographics, medical history, and the presence of CSS were noted based on clinical chart review.

RESULTS

Ten males and 19 females were reviewed (mean age, 13.4 years). A significant correlation was noted between the overall VBWs to the number of fused segments, age, and skeletal maturity (P < 0.05), but not to sex-type, O-C1, and SAC levels (P > 0.05). In the presence of a fused segment, individualized SAC levels tended to have greater canal dimensions and cephalad/caudal VBWs were less. Cephalad and caudal Torg ratios in relation to a segment were greater in all fused segments, and with 4 or greater fused segments (P < 0.05). Number of levels fused, sex-type, skeletal maturity, and O-C1 were not significantly associated with the presence of symptoms (P > 0.05). Symptomatic patients had smaller VBWs than nonsymptomatic patients (P = 0.027) and an overall decrease in SAC at the interbody disc level, primarily at C6-C7 (P > 0.05). Smaller Torg ratios were noted in symptomatic patients, specifically myelopathic patients.

CONCLUSION

Congenital fusion in KFS may arrest the normal vertebral development, which may affect appositional bone growth. Such effects on the VBW could potentially contribute to an increase in the SAC. Such a development may delay neurologic compromise stemming from the congenital fusion process and subsequent degenerative manifestations.

Intradural cervical disc herniation in a Klippel-Feil patient

STUDY DESIGN

Case report and clinical discussion.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a rare case of intradural cervical disc herniation in a patient with Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

KFS is a congenital spinal malformation characterized by the failure in segmentation of 2 or more cervical vertebrae. The development of a cervical disc herniation in a nonfused segment is uncommon. Intradural disc herniation is rare, with only 21 cases reported in the cervical region.

METHODS

We present a case of a 52-year-old woman with KFS (C5-C6 fusion) who developed acute radiculopathy secondary to an intradural cervical disc herniation. Neurologic examination revealed a mild (Grade 3/5) decrease in motor function of the fingers and difficulty in performing fine motor tasks with right hand.

RESULTS

The patient underwent microsurgical removal of the herniated disc via an anterior approach followed by interbody fixation and anterior plating; exploration of the surgical field revealed 2 intradural disc fragments. After surgery, she experienced a complete remission of the symptoms.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first case of intradural cervical disc herniation in a KFS patient described in the literature.

Sprengel's deformity in Klippel-Feil syndrome

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES

To address the role of congenitally fused cervical segments, the degree of cervical scoliosis, and other risk factors on the presence of Sprengel's deformity (SD) in young patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Numerous abnormalities are associated with KFS, one of the most common being SD. It has been postulated that more severe forms of KFS may be more associated with extraspinal manifestations, such as SD.

METHODS

Thirty KFS patients from a single institution were reviewed. Cervical neutral lateral/dynamic/anteroposterior and thoracic anteroposterior plain radiographs were assessed. Radiographically, occipitalization (O-C1), number of congenitally fused segments (C1-T1), classification type (Types I-III), degree of cervical scoliosis, and the presence of SD was assessed. Clinical chart review entailed patient demographics and evidence of the clinical assessment of SD. The threshold for statistical significance was P < 0.05.

RESULTS

There were 11 males (36.7%) and 19 females (63.3%) with a mean age of 13.5 years (range, 2.7-26.3 years). Occipitalization was present in 10 (33.3%) individuals and C2-C3 was the most common level fused (70.0%). The mean number of congenitally fused segments was 3.3 (range, 1-6 levels). The mean degree of cervical scoliosis was 17.3 degrees (range, 0 degrees-67 degrees). There were 6 (20%) Type I, 15 Type II (50.0%), and 9 Type III (30%) patients. SD was noted in 5 (16.7%) of the patients. Four patients had unilateral, whereas 1 patient had bilateral SD. There was 4.0 and 3.1 mean number of congenitally fused segments in patients with or without SD, respectively. SD did not occur in Type I patients (single fused block). The presence of SD was found to be nonsignificant regarding sex type (P = 0.327), presence of occipitalization (P = 0.300), number of congenitally fused segments (P = 0.246), specific congenitally fused segments (P > 0.05), classification type (P > 0.05), and scoliosis (P = 0.702).

CONCLUSION

SD occurred in 16.7% of KFS patients. Sex type, number of congenitally fused segments, specific fused patterns, occipitalization, classification type, and the degree of cervical scoliosis did not seem to be significantly associated with the presence of SD in KFS patients in our series. Thorough examination for the presence and degree of SD in KFS is necessary, irrespective of the extent of cervical abnormalities. Alternatively, the treating physician should not dismiss a thorough cervical spine examination in patients with SD, evaluating factors that may predispose the KFS patient to an increased risk of neurologic injury.

Adjacent segment disease in a patient with klippel-feil syndrome and radiculopathy: surgical treatment with two-level disc replacement

Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is a complex congenital condition characterized by improper segmentation of cervical motion segments that could contribute to undesirable adjacent segment degeneration. KFS patients have a strong tendency to present with disease in the adjacent segments. When this condition is present, anterior decompression followed by total disc replacement can be performed safely and can lead to good clinical results. This treatment has theoretical advantages compared with anterior decompression and fusion. Comparative studies and long-term follow-up are needed. Complications associated with fusion include loss of a motion segment, disc height loss, subsidence of the graft, progressive degenerative changes at the adjacent level, graft-related complications, and graft-site complications. Such new technologies as motion preservation spine arthroplasty represent attempts to avoid these complications.

Here we present a case report of a 62-year-old female patient with type I congenital fusion at the C5–6 level, with a history of neck pain and right radiculopathy at C5–7. X-rays and MRI show evidence of adjacent segment degeneration at levels above and below congenital fusion. The patient's preoperative visual analog score (VAS) for neck pain was 7 out of a possible 10, her score for right upper extremity pain was 8 out of 10, and her Neck Disability Index (NDI) was 32%. Surgical treatment consisted of anterior decompression and total disc replacement at both levels. At 1-year follow-up, the patient's VAS for neck pain was 2 out of 10, her VAS score for right upper extremity pain was 1 of 10, and her NDI was 9%.

Superior odontoid migration in the Klippel-Feil patient

Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is an uncommon condition noted primarily as congenital fusion of two or more cervical vertebrae. Superior odontoid migration (SOM) has been noted in various skeletal deformities and entails an upward/vertical migration of the odontoid process into the foramen magnum with depression of the cranium. Excessive SOM could potentially threaten neurologic integrity. Risk factors associated with the amount of SOM in the KFS patient are based on conjecture and have not been addressed in the literature. Therefore, this study evaluated the presence and extent of SOM and the various risk factors and clinical manifestations associated therein in patients with KFS. Twenty-seven KFS patients with no prior history of surgical intervention of the cervical spine were included for a prospective radiographic and retrospective clinical review. Radiographically, McGregor's line was utilized to evaluate the degree of SOM. Anterior and posterior atlantodens intervals (AADI/PADI), number of fused segments (C1-T1), presence of occipitalization, classification-type, and lateral and coronal cervical alignments were also evaluated. Clinically, patient demographics and presence of cervical symptoms were assessed. Radiographic and clinical evaluations were conducted by two independent blinded observers. There were 8 males and 19 females with a mean age of 13.5 years at the time of radiographic and clinical assessment. An overall mean SOM of 5.0 mm (range = -1.0 to 19.0 mm) was noted. C2-C3 (74.1%) was the most commonly fused segment. A statistically significant difference was not found between the amount of SOM to age, sex-type, classification-type, AADI, PADI, and lateral cervical alignment (P > 0.05). A statistically significant greater amount of SOM was found as the number of fused segments increased (r = 0.589; P = 0.001) and if such levels included occipitalization (r = 0.616; P = 0.001). A statistically significant greater amount of SOM was also found with an increase in coronal cervical alignment (r = 0.413; P = 0.036). Linear regression modeling further supported these findings as the strongest predictive variables contributing to an increase in SOM. A 7.20 crude relative risk (RR) ratio [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05-49.18; risk differences (RD) = 0.52] was noted in contributing to a SOM greater than 4.5 mm if four or more segments were fused. Adjusting for coronal cervical alignment greater than 10 degrees , five or more fused segments were found to significantly increase the RR of a SOM greater than 4.5 mm (RR = 4.54; 95% CI = 1.07-19.50; RD = 0.48). The RR of a SOM greater than 4.5 mm was more pronounced in females (RR = 1.68; 95% CI = 0.45-6.25; RD = 0.17) than in males. Eight patients (29.6%) were symptomatic, of which symptoms in two of these patients stemmed from a traumatic event. However, a statistically significant difference was not found between the presence of symptoms to the amount of SOM and other exploratory variables (P > 0.05). A mean SOM of 5.0 mm was found in our series of KFS patients. In such patients, increases in the number of congenitally fused segments and in the degree of coronal cervical alignment were strongly associated risk factors contributing to an increase in SOM. Patients with four or greater congenitally fused segments had an approximately sevenfold increase in the RR in developing SOM greater than 4.5 mm. A higher RR of SOM more than 4.5 mm may be associated with sex-type. However, 4.5 mm or greater SOM is not synonymous with symptoms in this series. Furthermore, the presence of symptoms was not statistically correlated with the amount of SOM. The treating physician should be cognizant of such potential risk factors, which could also help to indicate the need for further advanced imaging studies in such patients. This study suggests that as motion segments diminish and coronal cervical alignment is altered, the odontoid orientation is located more superiorly, which may increase the risk of neurologic sequelae.