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Living with Congenital elevation of scapula

A rare condition present from birth in which one shoulder blade is small and sits higher than usual.

Understanding Congenital elevation of scapula

Congenital elevation of the scapula is a rare condition in which the shoulder blade is underdeveloped and sits too high.

The shoulder blade did not move down to its usual place during development. It usually affects one side. It may go with other differences, such as spine bone differences, fused or missing ribs, or urinary and genital differences. It is seen before birth, at birth and in infancy.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Shoulder blade sitting high
  • Underdeveloped shoulder muscle
  • Short neck
  • Wry neck (torticollis)
  • Cleft palate, in some

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include lung and breathing specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Lung and breathing specialists (pulmonologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Are other spine, rib or kidney differences present?
What therapy or surgery can help shoulder movement?
Is genetic testing helpful for our family?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy, at Birth, and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

GARD doesn't name a gene here. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.

Respiratory

Also known as: congenital, upward displacement of the scapula; high scapula; high shoulder blade; sprengel anomaly; sprengel deformity; sprengel deformity (disease)

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Congenital elevation of scapulaGARD ID 7693 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Congenital elevation of scapula.

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Explore research for Congenital elevation of scapula

Explore actively recruiting Congenital elevation of scapula studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Congenital elevation of scapula with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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