Congenital elevation of the Scapula

Congenitial elevation of the scapula, more commonly referred to as Sprengel's deformity, first was described by Eulenberg in 1963. After then, many authors have reported this abnormal condition and many surgical spproaches have been described. When evaluating a patient with congenital elevation of the scapula for surgical correction, cosmetic severity, functional impairment, associated congenital anomalies and the child's age should be consicdered. Since July, 1981, we have tried surgical correction in 8 patients with this deformity, and followed up for more one year except one patient. 6 patients between 3 years and 11 years of age were trested with Green's operation, and 2 patients, 22 years and 26 years of age were treated with supraspinous portion resection only. All of 7 patients, whose follow-up period is more than one year, gained more thsn 1 grade of cosmetic improvement, mean 17 of combined abduction and mean 1.6 cm of acspular lowering. Keloid formation was most common complication and was prevented by meticulous subcutsneous and subcuticular suture. Brschial plexus palsy was most serious complication and was prevented by avoiding overcorrection or by clavicular osteotomy or intraoperative EST.