Elaborate Corrective Exercise Program after Surgical Correction for Sprengel’s Deformity: A Case Study

Elaborate Corrective Exercise Program after Surgical Correction for Sprengel’s Deformity: A Case Study

Background Sprengel’s deformity is a malpositioning anomaly characterized by dysplasia and elevation of the scapula. After Sprengel’s deformity corrective surgery, an abnormal scapulohumeral rhythm can be generated because of relative stiffness. An elaborate corrective exercise program is needed to prevent the recurrence of the deformity and maintain the effect of the surgery. Study design A single-subject case study. Observations The scapular elevation height and scapular upward rotation angle were measured to confirm the scapulohumeral rhythm during 80° shoulder abduction using am electromagnetic system in an 8-y-old girl who had undergone Sprengel’s deformity corrective surgery 3 y earlier. Shoulder abductor strength were measured using a Smart KEMA strength measurement system, with and without restricted scapular elevation. An elaborate corrective exercise program, including five types of exercises, was prescribed for 6 wk. The child’s parents were instructed to ensure that scapular elevation was restricted during the exercises. Scapular elevation and upward rotation were measured pre, 2, 4, and 6 wk after an elaborate corrective exercise program. Scapular elevation and upward rotation during 80° shoulder abduction were significantly decreased, and shoulder abductor strength with restricted scapular elevation was significantly increased 6 wk after the elaborate corrective exercise program. Conclusions After Sprengel’s deformity corrective surgery, an elaborate corrective exercise program is necessary to enable control of scapular elevation during humeral elevation.