Isolated Traumatic Tear of the Middle Head of the Deltoid Muscle

Abstract

Case: A 27-year-old male pedestrian struck presented with left shoulder pain and weakness 4 months postinjury, with an isolated middle head of the deltoid tear. The patient's pain persisted despite extensive nonoperative management. The deltoid was primarily repaired to the lateral acromion using a transosseous suture repair technique. Conclusion: Suture repair of the deltoid to the acromion using transosseous tunnel fixation is a successful treatment for traumatic, isolated tears of the middle head of the deltoid muscle that fail conservative treatment. After surgical repair and physical therapy, our patient recovered full, pain-free range of motion and strength at 6 months.

Muscle Injury Around the Shoulder

“…43 Deltoid tears can result in a significant decrease in strength and function, and they may have implications for future interventions such as shoulder arthroplasty. 44 Patients may present with pain, swelling, and given its function, a significant reduction in shoulder function, particularly shoulder abduction. On examination there may be point tenderness and a palpable defect.…”