Relocation of congenitally elevated scapula.

In the treatment of Sprengel's deformity, extraperiosteal greenstick fracture of the clavicle in conjunction with surgical release of all attachments between the scapula and the spine provides an easy, safe method of relocating the scapula to its normal level. The improved position is maintained by temporary fixation of the inferior border of the scapula to the eighth rib with slowly resorbable sutures. Section of the coracoclavicular ligaments, excision of the superior pole of the scapula, and suture fixation of the medial angle of the scapula to the spinous process of the fourth vertebra enables the procedure to be performed on patients until the age of puberty. This surgical technique has been performed in 28 consecutive patients with Sprengel's deformity, aged 4 to 19 years, without any neurovascular complications. A normal scapular position was achieved in 67% of cases, 1 to 2 cm elevation in 29%, and 5 cm in 4%.