[Long-term results of surgical treatment of congenital elevation of the scapula].

This study reviews the cases of 21 children with 24 Sprengel's disease, operated from 1961 to 1981. They were classified according to the classification of P. Rigault and J.C. Pouliquen (5 grade I, 12 grade II, 4 grade III). Multiple deformities were associated. The average operative age was 8 years old. The surgical procedure was in 3 cases a partial scapular resection; in 15 a unilateral Woodward and in 3 a bilateral Woodward. The authors have observed 7 post-operative complications, including 2 brachial plexus palsies. The average follow-up is 12 years. Cosmetic results are good in 57.2 per cent, fair in 33.3 per cent and poor in 9.5 per cent. The study of function shows 18 normal shoulders with an average improvement of 51 degrees. Partial resection results seem to be good on mobility and fair on the cosmetic stand point. On the other hand, the results of Woodward procedure are distinctly better. Good results appear to be grade I, operated with Woodward technique and a resection of the most prominent part of the scapula. The authors propose their indications, knowing that Woodward procedure does not solve every problem, and that the existence of associated deformities may go against any surgical correction.