Two-level cervical disc arthroplasty in patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is defined by multiple abnormal segments of the cervical spine with congenital synostosis of two or more cervical vertebrae. KFS patients who demonstrate progressive symptomatic instability and/or neurologic sequelae are traditionally managed with operative decompression and arthrodesis. Case Description: A 44-year-old female with chronic neck pain and radiculopathy and a C7-T1 KFS presented with adjacent segment degenerative disc disease at the C5-6 and C6-7 levels. She was successfully managed with a two-level cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA). Conclusion: Patients with KFS and disease at two contiguous, adjacent levels (e.g., cervical disc disease) may be safely and effectively managed with two-level CDA.