An unusual cause of cervical kyphosis

Abstract

Background context: Acute fixed cervical kyphosis may be a rare presentation of conversion disorder, psychogenic dystonia, and potentially as a side effect from typical antipsychotic drugs. Haldol has been associated with acute dystonic reactions. In some cases, rigid deformities ensue. We are reporting a case of a fixed cervical kyphosis after the use of Haldol.

Purpose: To present a case of a potential acute dystonic reaction temporally associated with Haldol ingestion leading to fixed cervical kyphosis.

Study design: This is a case report.

Methods: A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder presented to the emergency room several times with severe neck pain and stiffness. The neck appeared fixed in flexion with extensive osteophyte formation over a 3-month period.

Results: The patient's condition was resolved by a posterior-anterior-posterior surgical approach. It corrected the patient's cervical curvature from 88° to 5°.

Conclusions: Acute dystonic reactions have the potential to apply enough pressure on bone to cause rapid osteophyte formation.

Keywords: Chin-to-chest deformity; Dystonic reaction; Fixed cervical kyphosis; Haloperidol; Osteophyte formation; Severe neck pain.