Dropped Head Syndrome: An Update on Etiology and Surgical Management

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

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cervical Vertebrae*
  • Humans
  • Kyphosis / etiology*
  • Kyphosis / rehabilitation
  • Kyphosis / surgery
  • Neck Muscles*
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / complications
  • Orthotic Devices