The aim of this study was to assess the nature of the middle deltoid muscle insertion onto the lateral acromion by macroscopic, MRI and histologic examination and to, therefore, assess the potential impact of a vertical lateral acromioplasty on the deltoid origin.
The middle deltoid muscle occupies the entire lateral acromion.
Clinical Relevance: A high critical shoulder angle is associated with rotator cuff tears. A lateral acromioplasty resects the lateral acromion and aims to normalize the critical shoulder angle. However, a vertical lateral acromioplasty may release the middle deltoid origin from the lateral acromion. The superior band of collagen may anchor the middle deltoid to the superior acromion and prevent retraction.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.
The aim of this study was to assess the nature of the middle deltoid muscle insertion onto the lateral acromion by macroscopic, MRI and histologic examination and to, therefore, assess the potential impact of a vertical lateral acromioplasty on the deltoid origin.
The middle deltoid muscle occupies the entire lateral acromion.
Clinical Relevance: A high critical shoulder angle is associated with rotator cuff tears. A lateral acromioplasty resects the lateral acromion and aims to normalize the critical shoulder angle. However, a vertical lateral acromioplasty may release the middle deltoid origin from the lateral acromion. The superior band of collagen may anchor the middle deltoid to the superior acromion and prevent retraction.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.