Aim: To describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of deltoid contracture and compare these findings with the operative and histological findings and to determine the utility of MRI for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Patients and methods: Retrospective review of clinical and imaging in six patients with deltoid contracture, as well as the operative and histological findings of four operated patients.
Results: Magnetic resonance imaging clearly demonstrated the intramuscular fibrous bands of the deltoid as a homogeneously hypointense area with distinctive margins on T1-, T2- and T2*-weighted images. Operative findings were exactly consistent with the findings observed by MRI.
Conclusion: Deltoid contracture is best evaluated with MRI which facilitates visualization of the intramuscular fibrous bands being pathognomonic of this entity and may provide information useful in treatment planning.
Copyright 2001 The Royal College of Radiologists.