At the University Clinic for Traumatology, Orthopedic Diseases, Anesthesia, Resuscitation, Intensive Care and Emergency Center (TOARILUC), for the first time in Macedonia, a complex surgical intervention was performed on a 4-year-old child with a rare congenital deformity - Sprengel deformity, in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Ufuk Ajdinli from the Republic of Turkey.
This intervention represents an important step in strengthening the capacities of the Macedonian healthcare system for the treatment of rare and complex orthopedic conditions in pediatric age, through teamwork, knowledge transfer, and the implementation of modern operative techniques.
“This intervention is the result of high-level multidisciplinary coordination – orthopedic team, anesthesia, intensive care and emergency support – with a clear focus on the safety and quality of the procedure. Thanks to the collaboration with prof. dr. Ufuk Ajdinli, we have made an important step forward in the treatment of rare congenital deformities in children. Our goal is for these types of procedures to become a standard part of clinical practice in the country, through continuous education and development of local teams,” – emphasizes the director of TOARILUC, prof. dr. Igor Merxhanoski.
According to the Minister of Health, Azir Aliu, building trust in the healthcare system is achieved through concrete results, knowledge, teamwork, and creating conditions for even the most complex interventions to be performed within the country.
"This is an example of how international cooperation, exchange of experience and knowledge directly translate into better care for patients. The Ministry will continue to support the modernization of clinics, the development of human resources and the introduction of contemporary medical methods, in order for citizens to have a modern, functional and sustainable healthcare system," said Minister Aliu.
Sprengel deformity is a rare congenital condition in which the scapula (shoulder blade) is abnormally positioned higher and is underdeveloped, resulting from unsuccessful downward migration during embryonic development. This condition usually causes a noticeable “protrusion” and limitation of shoulder movement.
It is often associated with other conditions, such as Klippel-Feil syndrome, scoliosis, and sometimes with additional bony or fibrous connections to the spine (omovertebral girdle). For this reason, examinations such as CT and/or MRI are used for accurate diagnosis and adequate planning. Surgical treatment is usually reserved for the most severe cases in children aged 3 to 8 years, with the aim of improving function and physical appearance.
