OBJECTIVE: To reinforce the recognization of deltoid contracture in children and probe its causes, pathomechanism, diagnosis and treatments. METHODS: The Clinical data were summarized and analysed, including etiological factors, clinical situations, examinations and treatments from 9 child patients with deltoid contracture from 1992 to 2004. The 9 child patients were followed up to evaluate therapeutic efficacy. RESULTS: Nine child patients with deltoid contracture included 4 boys and 5 girls, who aged from 5 to 14 years. The main clinical features were presented as abductive deformity, limitation of adduction of the shoulder, winging of the scapula, and dimpling of the skin with a palpable fibrous hard band in deltoid muscle. Four cases had a history of intramuscular injections in deltoid and 1 case was accompanied with bilateral gluteul contracture. Among the 9 patients, 8 cases were misdiagnosed before correct diagnosis and treatment. The misdiagnosis rate was up to 90%. All the cases received the operative treatments to release fibrous bands and were followed up for 8 months to 12 years. Abductive deformity disappeared and functions of the shoulders recovered in all patients, except 1 patient who had a lightly winged scapula. CONCLUSION: Deltoid contracture may be caused by multiple factors, but its clinical features are conductive to correct diagnosis and excellent therapeutic efficacy can be acquired by operation early.
OBJECTIVE: To reinforce the recognization of deltoid contracture in children and probe its causes, pathomechanism, diagnosis and treatments. METHODS: The Clinical data were summarized and analysed, including etiological factors, clinical situations, examinations and treatments from 9 childpatients with deltoid contracture from 1992 to 2004. The 9 childpatients were followed up to evaluate therapeutic efficacy. RESULTS: Nine childpatients with deltoid contracture included 4 boys and 5 girls, who aged from 5 to 14 years. The main clinical features were presented as abductive deformity, limitation of adduction of the shoulder, winging of the scapula, and dimpling of the skin with a palpable fibrous hard band in deltoid muscle. Four cases had a history of intramuscular injections in deltoid and 1 case was accompanied with bilateral gluteul contracture. Among the 9 patients, 8 cases were misdiagnosed before correct diagnosis and treatment. The misdiagnosis rate was up to 90%. All the cases received the operative treatments to release fibrous bands and were followed up for 8 months to 12 years. Abductive deformity disappeared and functions of the shoulders recovered in all patients, except 1 patient who had a lightly winged scapula. CONCLUSION:Deltoid contracture may be caused by multiple factors, but its clinical features are conductive to correct diagnosis and excellent therapeutic efficacy can be acquired by operation early.