Klippel-Feil syndrome
MONDO:0001029A congenital, musculoskeletal condition characterized by the fusion of at least two vertebrae of the neck. Common symptoms include a short neck, low hairline at the back of the head, and restricted mobility of the upper spine. This syndrome can cause chronic headaches as well as pain in both the neck and the back.Other features may involve various other body parts or systems. Sometimes, KFS occurs as a feature of another disorder or syndrome, such as Wildervanck syndrome or hemifacial microsomia. In these cases, people have the features of both KFS and the additional disorder. KFS may be caused by mutations in the GDF6 or GDF3 gene and inherited in an autosomal dominant manner; or, it may be caused by mutations in the MEOX1 gene and inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Treatment is symptomatic and may include medications, surgery, and/or physical therapy.
Also known as: Klippel-Feil Sequence, Klippel Feil syndrome, Klippel-Feil and Turner syndrome, Klippel-Feil deformity, deafness and facial asymmetry, autosomal dominant Klippel-Feil syndrome, cervical vertebral fusion, congenital dystrophia brevicollis, congenital synostosis of cervical vertebrae
14 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
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Broader categories
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A new ligament-tethering technique may spare spine patients from fusion surgery
Disease control Recruiting nowThis trial tests whether a novel surgical technique called vertebropexy—which uses a donor ligament to stabilize the spine—can match or outperform standard decompression or fusion surgery for degenerative lumbar spinal disease. The study enrolls adults needing single- or two-leve…
Sponsor: Balgrist University Hospital • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jul 30, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Neck surgery patients may need fewer opioids with simple nerve block
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study tests whether a nerve block called an inter-semispinalis plane block can help people use fewer opioid painkillers after posterior cervical spine surgery. About 60 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the nerve block plus standard pain medication or …
Sponsor: Stony Brook University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:24 UTC
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One shot before back surgery may cut painkiller need
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study tests whether giving a single dose of the steroid dexamethasone just before minimally invasive spine fusion surgery can lower back pain afterward and reduce the need for strong painkillers like morphine. Sixty adults aged 50–80 having one- or two-level spine fusion wil…
Phase 4 • Sponsor: Potsawat Surabotsopon • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 15:16 UTC
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Neck block could cut opioid use after spine surgery
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study tests whether a numbing injection in the neck muscles can reduce pain and opioid use after cervical spine fusion surgery. Thirty-eight adults scheduled for the surgery will receive either the active block or a sham injection. Researchers will compare pain scores and me…
Phase 4 • Sponsor: Hartford Hospital • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 13:38 UTC
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500 spinal fusion patients to get CT scans in new study
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study looks at how well spinal fusion devices from Spinal Simplicity hold up over time. About 500 adults who got these implants between 2022 and 2025 will have CT scans and report their pain levels. The goal is to see how often the bones fuse properly and if any problems or …
Sponsor: Spinal Simplicity LLC • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:02 UTC
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New study tracks neck surgery success with spacers
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study looks at how well the bones in the neck fuse together after a type of back surgery called posterior cervical fusion, where small spacers are placed between the joints. About 45 adults with neck problems from aging will be followed for up to 2 years after their surgery.…
Sponsor: Ohio State University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:07 UTC