THE ANATOMY OF THE ANTERIOR ORIGIN OF THE DELTOID

We studied the origin of the anterior deltoid from the lateral third o f the clavicle and the leading anterior edge of the acromion in 18 cad aver shoulders by anatomical and histological methods. The main origin of the deltoid was from the superior surface of the anterior acromion , but muscle and tendinous attachments were also seen on the entire an terior surface of the acromion, its anteroinferior surface and on the whole width of the anterior surface of the clavicle. Mock arthroscopic acromioplasty was shown to detach deltoid fibres from the anterior su rfaces, leaving the superior attachment in continuity. Potentially, ar throscopic subacromial and clavicular resection can detach deltoid fib res originating from the anterior and anteroinferior surfaces of the a cromion and clavicle and thus weaken the anterior deltoid.