Deltoid, the powerful shoulder abductor, if fibrosed, results in a grotesque looking shoulder with severe functional impairments.Causes
Deltoid contracture could be congenital or acquired and the latter is more common. Among the acquired variety, the possible causes are:
- Due to anatomical aberration of multiple intra-muscular septae in the intermediate portions of the deltoid, repeated intramuscular injection into the deltoid results in fibrosis.
- Chronic infection due to the injected drugs.
- Pressure ischemia.
A patient with deltoid contracture typically presents as follows:
- Inability to keep the arm in contact with the chest in the anatomical plane of the scapula.
- When the arm is forcibly brought into contact with the chest, winging of the scapula happens.
- Dimple or puckering of the skin over the deltoid may or may not be seen.
- On palpation, a thick intermediate fibrotic deltoid muscle can be felt.
- Shoulder function is not severely affected.
Treatment
Prevention
This is better than the best of curative measures and consists of avoiding unnecessary and indiscriminate deltoid IM injections.
Rehabilitation
To facilitate faster recovery of shoulder function and to correct winging of the scapula, repeated stretching and straightening exercises are recommended.
Deltoid fibrosis is a problem noticeable by intramuscular " floating " fibrous groups within the material of the deltoid muscular. Accessible Physical Therapy Services offer services include the evaluation and treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Call today for quick Appointment: (301) 593-7300
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