Abstract
We examined twelve deltoid muscle contractures (nine cases) and got following results.
1) There were lots of abnormalities in posture and shoulder motions contrary to our expectations.
2) As for the gleno-humeral joint motions, limitations of adduction, flexion, external rotation and horizontal flexion were detected as well as hyper-mobilities of abduction, extension, internal rotation and horizontal extension.
3) Downward rotation, hyper-flexibility, winging, high standing and limitation of depression of scapula were noted.
4) Concerning the abnormalities of postures; flexed elbow, pronated forearm, increased lumbar lordosis, decreased thoracic kyphosis, scoliosis and anterior prominence of humeral head were noted.
5) Most of these items were presented in high percentage of association with our patients, though the previous authors gave only unsatisfactory descriptions.
6) We thought that the shortening at the middle and posterior fibers of the deltoid muscle derived such complex abnormalities.
The authors would like to express their gratitude to Professor Toshio Kitagawa, director of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kumamoto University Medical School.
