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Review
. 2020 Jan;8(1):e0068.
doi: 10.2106/JBJS.RVW.19.00068.

Dropped Head Syndrome: An Update on Etiology and Surgical Management

James D Brodell Jr  1 , Aron Sulovari, David N Bernstein, Phillip C Mongiovi, Emma Ciafaloni, Paul T Rubery, Addisu Mesfin
Affiliations
Review

Dropped Head Syndrome: An Update on Etiology and Surgical Management

James D Brodell Jr et al. JBJS Rev. 2020 Jan.

Abstract

» Dropped head syndrome is a group of disorders with diverse etiologies involving different anatomical components of the neck, ultimately resulting in a debilitating, flexible, anterior curvature of the cervical spine. » Causes of dropped head syndrome include myasthenia gravis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson disease, radiation therapy, and cumulative age-related changes. Idiopathic cases have also been reported. » Nonoperative treatment of dropped head syndrome includes orthotic bracing and physical therapy. » Surgical treatment of dropped head syndrome consists of cervical spine fusion to correct the deformity. » The limited data available examining the clinical and radiographic outcomes of surgical intervention indicate a higher rate of complications with the majority having favorable outcomes in the long term.

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