Authors: Mekka Garcia, MD, NYU Grossman School of Medicine Alison L. Christy, MD, PhD, Providence Pediatric Neurology at St. Vincent Medical Center—Portland, Oregon Reviewed: July 2022 Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is a rare bone disorder. It is characterized by abnormal fusion of the bones of the neck. The cause is largely unknown. However, it has been linked to genetic variations that affect the development of the bones of the neck. Clinical diagnosis is based on three features: Some people might not have all three. There is no cure for KFS, but supportive care is available. Most cases of KFS are spontaneous. They are found incidentally on imaging. Cases of KFS can run within a family when there is a genetic abnormality. This abnormality occurs in either the GDF6 or the GDF3 genes. These genes are involved in the development of bones. KFS affects 1 in every 40,000 births. It is more common in females. Features of KFS are always present at birth. However, if they are mild, they may not be noticed for years. Signs and symptoms are present at birth, though they may go unnoticed for years if they are mild. These may include: Familial cases of KFS can occur when there is an abnormality in either the GDF6 or the GDF3 genes. These genes are involved in the development of bones. KFS can be inherited. This can occur in two different ways: If a child inherits one abnormal gene and one normal gene: If both parents carry the abnormal gene: The cause of most cases of KFS is unknown. They occur spontaneously. KFS can be diagnosed with a careful history. This includes family history and a complete physical exam. Tests that may help confirm the diagnosis include: A blood or saliva test can identify mutations (variations) in the GDF6 and GDF3 genes. The ultrasound takes a picture of the body parts of the fetus. This includes the bones of the neck and spine. This can include: All these types of imaging take pictures of the neck and spine. They can show abnormalities. This may include an echocardiogram (a picture of the heart). It can also include other testing of the heart. There is no cure for KFS. Therefore, therapies are aimed at symptomatic and supportive care. The life expectancy of people with KFS can be typical, especially if diagnosed early in life. Conditions with similar symptoms include: Klippel-Feil Syndrome Freedom Facebook Page The Klippel-Feil Syndrome Freedom Facebook page serves as a resource for navigating life with Klippel-Feil syndrome. KFS Freedom empowers and unites patients and their families through peer support, education, research, and advocacy. KFS Freedom also hosts private Facebook support groups for Parents, Teens and Young Adults, and Adults. In addition, the KFS Registry includes a Klippel-Feil Syndrome survey created in partnership with the Coordination of Rare Diseases at Sanford (CoRDS), an international registry program for individuals with a rare disease. Child Neurology Foundation (CNF) solicits resources from the community to be included on this webpage through an application process. CNF reserves the right to remove entities at any time if information is deemed inappropriate or inconsistent with the mission, vision, and values of CNF. ClinicalTrials.gov for Klippel-Feil Syndrome (birth to 17 years). These are clinical trials that are recruiting or will be recruiting. Updates are made daily, so you are encouraged to check back frequently. ClinicalTrials.gov is a database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies conducted around the world. This is a resource provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), which is an institute within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Please read the NLM disclaimer for details. Before participating in a study, you are encouraged to talk to your health care provider and learn about the risks and potential benefits. The information in the CNF Child Neurology Disorder Directory is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice and should not be considered a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. Content provided is for informational purposes only. CNF is not responsible for actions taken based on the information included on this webpage. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Frikha R. Klippel-Feil syndrome: a review of the literature. Clin Dysmorphol. 2020 Jan;29(1):35-37. https://doi.org/10.1097/MCD.0000000000000301. PMID: 31577545. Tassabehji M, Fang ZM, Hilton EN, McGaughran J, Zhao Z, de Bock CE, Howard E, Malass M, Donnai D, Diwan A, Manson FD, Murrell D, Clarke RA. Mutations in GDF6 are associated with vertebral segmentation defects in Klippel-Feil syndrome. Hum Mutat. 2008 Aug;29(8):1017-27. https://doi.org/10.1002/humu.20741. PMID: 18425797. Ye M, Berry-Wynne KM, Asai-Coakwell M, Sundaresan P, Footz T, French CR, Abitbol M, Fleisch VC, Corbett N, Allison WT, Drummond G, Walter MA, Underhill TM, Waskiewicz AJ, Lehmann OJ. Mutation of the bone morphogenetic protein GDF3 causes ocular and skeletal anomalies. Hum Mol Genet. 2010 Jan 15;19(2):287-98. https://doi.org/10.1093/hmg/ddp496. Epub 2009 Oct 28. PMID: 19864492. SUMMARY
JUMP TO
Disorder Overview
DESCRIPTION
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
CAUSES
LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS
Genetic testing.
Ultrasound during pregnancy.
Imaging.
Cardiac evaluation.
Comprehensive hearing exam.
Comprehensive eye exam.
TREATMENT AND THERAPIES
OUTLOOK
RELATED DISORDERS
Resources
Research
References
‹ Return to Disorder Directory