Surgical Correction of Sprengel Deformity of the Shoulder by Wood Ward’s Technique – A Case Report

Abstract

The most typical congenital defect of the shoulder girdle is called Sprengel deformity (SD), also known as congenital high scapula or congenital undescended scapula. It is distinguished by a protrusion at the scapula's upper medial border and a restriction of shoulder abduction. 7-year-old female child was brought to the hospital with complaints of difficulty to perform overhead abduction and their parents complained of cosmetic defect noted over the right upper back i.e., asymmetry of upper back. On examination, the child was able to per- form overhead abduction from 0-100deg at gleno humeral joint after which scapula-thoracic motion takes place. X ray revealed a high or undescended scapula. CT scan was performed as a pre-operative planning proto- col to rule out the presence of omovertebra. No omovertebrae noted and deformity was graded as Cavendish grade III. Patient was taken up for proposed surgery. Postoperatively patient was put in shoulder arm pouch for 4 weeks and gradually started on shoulder range of motion exercises. At final follow up, wound healed completely and patient was able to abduct the shoulder for 0-14’0deg. We conclude that treating sprengel deformity with the Woodward method correctly combined with post-operative therapy yields out- standing functional and aesthetic benefits. Keywords: Sprengel defor