Paediatric: Sprengel deformity: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Paediatric: Sprengel deformity

Sample item

A child has an elevated, small scapula on one side with limited shoulder abduction. An omovertebral bar is found. What is the diagnosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Sprengel deformity (congenital elevation of the scapula)

Sprengel deformity is the commonest congenital shoulder anomaly, due to failure of the scapula to descend, and is often associated with Klippel-Feil syndrome and an omovertebral bone. Surgery such as the Woodward procedure may improve function and appearance.

Option by option

  • A. Sprengel deformity (congenital elevation of the scapula) (correct)

    Correct. A high riding small scapula with omovertebral bar is Sprengel deformity.

  • B. Klumpke palsy

    Klumpke palsy follows lower plexus injury.

  • C. Winged scapula

    Winged scapula is due to serratus anterior weakness.

  • D. Erb palsy

    Erb palsy follows birth injury to the upper plexus.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is A, Sprengel deformity (congenital elevation of the scapula). Sprengel deformity is the commonest congenital shoulder anomaly, due to failure of the scapula to descend, and is often associated with Klippel-Feil syndrome and an omovertebral bone.

Why is "Klumpke palsy" not the answer?

Klumpke palsy follows lower plexus injury.

Why is "Winged scapula" not the answer?

Winged scapula is due to serratus anterior weakness.

Why is "Erb palsy" not the answer?

Erb palsy follows birth injury to the upper plexus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric: Sprengel deformity in Orthopaedics. Surgery such as the Woodward procedure may improve function and appearance.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Paediatric: Sprengel deformity?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.