Sunday, March 26, 2006

What is Sprengel's deformity???

You would never know unless we told you or you saw him with no shirt on...


Sprengel's deformity is a condition where the scapula (shoulder blade) on one or both sides are underdeveloped (hypoplastic) and abnormally high. It is due to failure of descent of the scapula during embryonic development from its position in the neck to its normal position in the posterior thorax.. It happens usually in girls, and may have a genetic basis in some instances.
What does your doctor do about it?
X-rays to determine the severity of the Sprengel's deformity are necessary, as well as to rule out any neck or spinal abnormalities. Tests to rule out visceral abnormalites are also important. The child should also be checked for limb length discrepancies and muscle weakness. In mild cases, where cosmesis is not a major problem, and there is no restriction of shoulder abduction or muscle weakness or associated problems, regular follow-up is all that is necessary.

Our case is very slight so there is nothing that needs to be done. We will follow up with Drs for the next 2 years to see if there is any change. So far we are unable to find it in any family memeber.

2 comments:

Mouse said...

Wow, that's amazing when you see it in the picture.

Good to know it's a slight case and it doesn't affect him. All will be alright.

Unknown said...

Your little boy's shoulders look comparatively normal. My daughter has this condition, but her shoulder blades are very similar in size and the distortion in her back is very obvious in such a pose. Her arms, however, are very strong although she does have restricted movement. Have you been advised for/against corrective surgery?