A Rare Presentation of Os Odontoideum with Multiple Vertebral Fusion in Type III Klippel-Feil Syndrome (KFS) – A Case Report

Abstract

An abnormal atlas and axis with presence of os odontoideum and fusion of multiple vertebrae were noted in an intact skeleton, in the osteology museum of the Department of Anatomy of North Bengal Medical College, West Bengal, India.These multiple abnormalities at various levels along with increased thickness of antero-posterior arch of atlas pointed towards the congenital nature of the anomalies, possibly due to Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS). These unusual findings denote a developmental background of the manifestations.The cervical instability, resultant neurodeficit and impairment of quality of life of the affected individuals, which are inherent in such cases, reveal their clinical importance.

Keywords

• congenital
• klippel-feil syndrome
• multiple vertebral fusion
• os odontoideum