congenital undescended scapula
Last reviewed 01/2018
Sprengel's shoulder is a consequence of incomplete descent of the scapula during fetal life. Normally the scapula completes its descent from the neck in the 3rd month of fetal life; in Sprengel's shoulder it remains elevated.
The undescended scapula is generally higher and smaller than the normally descended scapula. It may be prominent. The movements of the maldescended scapula are painless; however there may be a limitation in abduction. Conditions associated with Sprengel's shoulder include fusion of the cervical vertebrae, kyphosis, scoliosis and radial dysplasia.
Treatment of this condition is usually not undertaken for mild cases. If there is marked limitation to abduction then there may be operative intervention to lower the scapula.