Contracture of the deltoid muscle: imaging findings in 17 patients.

OBJECTIVE: A retrospective review of the MR images and radiographs of 26 shoulders in 17 patients suffering from contracture of the deltoid muscle was used to establish the characteristic imaging findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Deltoid muscle contractures in 26 shoulders in 17 patients encountered over a 4-year period are reported. The history of intramuscular injection and clinical symptoms and signs are detailed. Imaging studies including routine radiographs (24 shoulders), MR images (25 shoulders), and computed arthrotomograms (two shoulders) were reviewed. On MR images, the winging angle of the scapula (angle between the axis of the scapular body and the coronal plane of the chest) and the diameter of the lesion were measured and compared with data derived from 24 age-matched control subjects.

RESULTS: Diagnostic MR features of deltoid muscle contracture include fibrotic cord in the deltoid muscle, especially its middle portion, extending from the superior acromial surface to the deltoid tuberosity, and winging of the scapula (increased winging angle of the scapula). Characteristic radiographic features include abduction contracture, winging of the scapula, lateral down-sloping of the acromial process, and a superior acromial enthesophyte.

CONCLUSION: MR images are sensitive and accurate in the diagnosis of contracture of the deltoid muscles. Characteristic features also allow accurate routine diagnosis on radiographs.