= BREVICOLLIS

= synostosis of two / more cervical segments

[André Feil (1884–?), neurologist in Paris]

May be associated with:

• platybasia, syringomyelia, encephalocele, facial + cranial asymmetry, Sprengel deformity (25–40%), syndactyly, clubbed foot, hypoplastic lumbar vertebrae; renal anomalies in 50% (agenesis, dysgenesis, malrotation, duplication, renal ectopia); congenital heart disease in 5% (atrial septal defect, coarctation)

• clinical triad of
  1. short neck
  2. restriction of cervical motion
  3. low posterior hairline
• deafness (30%)
• torticollis; webbed neck

Location: cervical spine

• wide and flat vertebral bodies
• ± cervicothoracic / cervical / occipitoatlantal fusion:
  • fusion of vertebral bodies and posterior elements
• ± hemivertebrae
• scoliosis
• rib fusion
• Sprengel deformity (25–40%)
• ear anomalies: absent auditory canal, microtia, deformed ossicles, underdevelopment of bony labyrinth