Author(s)

Roger Mulumba Ilunga^1*, Mohameth Faye¹, Abdoulaye Diop², Nicaise Akodjetin Mahougnon Sodjinou¹, Vital Nacoulma¹

¹Department of Neurosurgery, Regional Hospital Center of Thiès, Thiès, Senegal.
²Department of Neurosurgery, Regional Hospital of Ziguinchor, Ziguinchor, Senegal.

Background: Klippel Feil syndrome (KFS) is a congenital malformation characterised by the presence of, at least, one fused cervical segment and results from faulty segmentation along the embryo’s developing axis during weeks 3 - 8 of gestation. The KFS increases the risk for spinal cord injury after minor trauma as a result of the disturbance of the biomechanics of the cervical spine. Persons with KFS often have associated congenital anomalies. Aim: The purpose of this study was to show the surgical management difficulties of this pathology in a low income country such as Senegal and to make a review of the literature. Case presentation: A 32-year-old man developed a tetraparesis secondary to a fall from his height while carrying a bag of rice on his head. Radiological explorations revealed fusedC2-C3 and C4-C5 vertebral bodies with a C3-C4 disc herniation associated to a spine contusion. The patient underwent surgical removal of the herniated disc via an anterior approach followed by interbody fusion and anterior plating. A complete recovery was noted at 4 months follow-up. Conclusion: Understanding of the cervical spine biomechanics of Klippel-Feil anomaly may allow an optimal management of patients. Patients with KFS should be warned of the increased risk of spinal cord injury after a low velocity trauma. Timing for surgery should be shortened.

Klippel-Feil, Spinal Cord Injury, Cervical Disc Herniation

Ilunga, R. , Faye, M. , Diop, A. , Sodjinou, N. and Nacoulma, V. (2021) Cervical Spine Cord Injury Associated with Klippel-Feil Syndrome: A Case Report. Open Journal of Orthopedics, 11, 138-145. doi: 10.4236/ojo.2021.114013.