SPONTANEOUS DETACHMENT OF THE DELTOID MUSCLE ORIGIN

Three patients with four affected shoulders with spontaneous detachmen t of the deltoid origin are reported. In this group spontaneous detach ment of the deltoid origin was associated with chronic massive rotator cuff defects. Detachment of the deltoid origin was associated with an acute, sudden onset of shoulder weakness. Pain was not a prominent co mplaint, and shoulder function was poor because of weakness. Spontaneo us detachment of the deltoid origin can occur with chronic massive rot ator cuff tears and can be responsible For an acute onset of shoulder weakness.