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Hub AI
Klippel–Feil syndrome AI simulator
(@Klippel–Feil syndrome_simulator)
Hub AI
Klippel–Feil syndrome AI simulator
(@Klippel–Feil syndrome_simulator)
Klippel–Feil syndrome
Klippel–Feil syndrome (KFS), also known as cervical vertebral fusion syndrome, is a rare congenital condition characterized by the abnormal fusion of any two of the seven bones in the neck (cervical vertebrae). It can result in a limited ability to move the neck and shortness of the neck, resulting in the appearance of a low hairline. Most people only have one or two of those symptoms so it may not be noticeable without medical imaging.
The syndrome is difficult to diagnose, as it occurs in a group of patients affected with many different abnormalities who can only be unified by the presence of fused or segmental cervical vertebrae. KFS is not always genetic and not always known about on the date of birth.
The disease was initially reported in 1884 by Maurice Klippel and André Feil from France. In 1919, André Feil suggested another classification of the syndrome, encompassing not only deformation of the cervical spine, but also deformation of the lumbar and thoracic spine.
KFS is associated with many other abnormalities of the body, hence thorough evaluation of all patients with fused cervical vertebrae at birth is required. Furthermore, it is unclear whether KFS is a unique disease, or if it is one part of a spectrum of congenital spinal deformities.[citation needed]
KFS is usually diagnosed after birth. The most common signs of the disorder are restricted mobility of the neck and upper spine and a shortened neck with the appearance of a low hairline at the back of the head.[citation needed]
Associated abnormalities may include:
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.[citation needed]
Mutations of the GDF6, GDF3 and MEOX1 gene are associated with KFS. The cause of the condition is unknown in individuals with KFS who do not have mutations of these two genes. GDF6 and GDF3 provide the body with instructions for making proteins involved in regulating the growth and maturation of bone and cartilage. GDF6 specifically is involved in the formation of vertebral bones, among others, and establishing boundaries between bones in skeletal development. GDF3 is involved with bone and cartilage growth. Mutations of GDF6, GDF3 and MEOX1 cause a reduced number of functional proteins that are coded by these genes, but it is unclear exactly how a shortage in these proteins leads to incomplete separation of the vertebrae in people with KFS. However, when the GDF6 gene was removed in mice, the result was the fusion of bones.
Klippel–Feil syndrome
Klippel–Feil syndrome (KFS), also known as cervical vertebral fusion syndrome, is a rare congenital condition characterized by the abnormal fusion of any two of the seven bones in the neck (cervical vertebrae). It can result in a limited ability to move the neck and shortness of the neck, resulting in the appearance of a low hairline. Most people only have one or two of those symptoms so it may not be noticeable without medical imaging.
The syndrome is difficult to diagnose, as it occurs in a group of patients affected with many different abnormalities who can only be unified by the presence of fused or segmental cervical vertebrae. KFS is not always genetic and not always known about on the date of birth.
The disease was initially reported in 1884 by Maurice Klippel and André Feil from France. In 1919, André Feil suggested another classification of the syndrome, encompassing not only deformation of the cervical spine, but also deformation of the lumbar and thoracic spine.
KFS is associated with many other abnormalities of the body, hence thorough evaluation of all patients with fused cervical vertebrae at birth is required. Furthermore, it is unclear whether KFS is a unique disease, or if it is one part of a spectrum of congenital spinal deformities.[citation needed]
KFS is usually diagnosed after birth. The most common signs of the disorder are restricted mobility of the neck and upper spine and a shortened neck with the appearance of a low hairline at the back of the head.[citation needed]
Associated abnormalities may include:
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.[citation needed]
Mutations of the GDF6, GDF3 and MEOX1 gene are associated with KFS. The cause of the condition is unknown in individuals with KFS who do not have mutations of these two genes. GDF6 and GDF3 provide the body with instructions for making proteins involved in regulating the growth and maturation of bone and cartilage. GDF6 specifically is involved in the formation of vertebral bones, among others, and establishing boundaries between bones in skeletal development. GDF3 is involved with bone and cartilage growth. Mutations of GDF6, GDF3 and MEOX1 cause a reduced number of functional proteins that are coded by these genes, but it is unclear exactly how a shortage in these proteins leads to incomplete separation of the vertebrae in people with KFS. However, when the GDF6 gene was removed in mice, the result was the fusion of bones.
