Abstract
An otherwise healthy 5-year-old boy was referred for shoulder asymmetry and limited range of motion on the left. According to the boy’s mother, he hardly ever complained about it, and was a good swimmer. Physical examination revealed left scapular elevation; glenohumeral function was good, apart from forward elevation (150 degrees). Frontal chest radiograph (Fig. A) and left shoulder plain film (Fig. B) showed elevation of the left scapula with medial rotation of its inferior angle, pointing towards the spine (arrow). This was connected to the posterior elements of the sixth cervical vertebra by a bony bar ( arrowheads), which was better appreciated on a lateral radiograph of the cervical spine (Fig. C). The right shoulder girdle was normal (Fig. A, dotted arrow). No other abnormality was seen.
Highlights
Glenohumeral function was good, apart from forward elevation (150 degrees)
Was connected to the posterior elements of the sixth cervical vertebra by a bony bar (arrowheads), which was better appreciated on a lateral radiograph of the cervical spine (Fig. C)
The most common congenital malformation of the shoulder girdle, resulting from failure of the scapula to descend from its position in the neck to its normal position in the posterior thorax during embryological development
Summary
Glenohumeral function was good, apart from forward elevation (150 degrees). Frontal chest radiograph (Fig. A) and left shoulder plain film (Fig. B) showed elevation of the left scapula with medial rotation of its inferior angle, pointing towards the spine (arrow). Was connected to the posterior elements of the sixth cervical vertebra by a bony bar (arrowheads), which was better appreciated on a lateral radiograph of the cervical spine (Fig. C). The right shoulder girdle was normal (Fig. A, dotted arrow).
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