Congenital high scapula (Sprengel's deformity): Four cases

• Published in: Diagnostic and interventional imaging Vol. 93; no. 11; pp. 878 - 883
• Main Authors: Guillaume, R, Nectoux, E, Bigot, J, Vandenbussche, L, Fron, D, Mézel, A, Herbaux, B, Boutry, N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: France Elsevier Masson SAS 01.11.2012
• Subjects: Cervical Vertebrae - abnormalities; Cervical Vertebrae - pathology; Cervical Vertebrae - surgery; Child, Preschool; Congenital Abnormalities - diagnosis; Congenital Abnormalities - surgery; Congenital high scapula; CT scan; Female; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Infant; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Male; MRI; Radiology; Scapula - abnormalities; Scapula - surgery; Sensitivity and Specificity; Shoulder Joint - abnormalities; Shoulder Joint - surgery; Sprengel's deformity; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ultrasound; Sprengel's deformity; MRI; CT scan; Ultrasound; Congenital high scapula
• ISSN: 2211-5684; 2211-5684
• DOI: 10.1016/j.diii.2012.08.006

Abstract We report a series of four cases of congenital high scapula (or Sprengel's deformity) diagnosed and followed in our establishment. The main feature of this very rare congenital malformation of the pectoral girdle is an abnormally high, more or less dysmorphic scapula. A congenitally high scapula is often discovered in young children, when consequences for aesthetics, and sometimes functional difficulties, are brought to light. When surgical treatment is envisaged, imaging is recommended to diagnose a supernumerary structure, ossified (an omovertebral bone) or not (a fibrous and/or cartilaginous connection), extending from the scapula to the cervical spine. This needs to be resected. A CT scan is essential for detecting an omovertebral bone and the vertebral bone abnormalities that are often associated with it. MRI and ultrasound are very useful for assessing any fibrous and/or cartilaginous components. An ultrasound examination has the undeniable advantage of being quick and easy in these young children.