Sonographic Assessment of Deltoid Muscle Tendons: Advancing the Understanding of Lateral Shoulder Pain
Ping-Tang Liu, Wei-Ting Wu, Ke-Vin Chang, Sheng-Heng Tsai, Bow Wang, King Hei Stanley Lam, Jeimylo De Castro, Levent Özçakar
Asia Pacific Journal of Pain (2023)
Abstract
Background: The deltoid muscle’s morphology and functional subdivisions have been extensively studied, yielding various models and classifications. Understanding the anatomy of deltoid muscle origin is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Methods: This research employs ultrasound imaging to systematically examine the anatomical features of the deltoid muscle origin. Landmarks and scanning techniques are described for identifying the different functional segments of the deltoid muscle.
Results: Five patients with deltoid muscle tendinous injuries were enrolled, highlighting the significance of accurate diagnosis in the context of rotator cuff injuries. These patients demonstrated the diversity of deltoid injuries and their association with rotator cuff pathology. Deltoid injuries, although relatively rare, exhibit increased prevalence in individuals with concurrent rotator cuff injuries. Ultrasound imaging emerges as a valuable tool for assessing deltoid muscle injuries, offering real-time dynamic assessments and aiding in treatment decisions.
Conclusion: Accurate assessment of deltoid muscle origin and function is crucial for diagnosing and treating deltoid injuries, particularly in individuals with rotator cuff pathology. Ultrasound imaging offers a cost-effective and accessible means of evaluating these injuries, facilitating tailored rehabilitation strategies. Further research may explore the functional characterization of deltoid muscle units and their force outputs across different planes.
Keywords: deltoid, shoulder, ultrasound, sonography, pain
