Three-Dimensional Footprint Mapping of the Deltoid and Trapezius: Anatomic Pearls for Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction.

Purpose: To perform a quantitative anatomic evaluation of the deltoid and trapezius footprints in relation to the lateral clavicle and acromioclavicular (AC) joint capsule to assist in surgical technique of AC joint reconstructions.

Methods: Fourteen fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulders from 9 donors were analyzed. Meticulous dissection of the deltoid origin and trapezius insertions to the clavicle and AC joint was performed. Footprints were reconstructed using a MicroScribe digitizer. The inferior extension of the deltoid origin beneath the lateral clavicle and the footprints of the deltoid and trapezius onto the acromioclavicular ligamentous complex (ACLC) were quantified. Reproducibility was assessed by redigitizing 5 shoulders in a blinded and random fashion.

Results: The anterior deltoid fibers extended on average 4.0 ± 1.6 mm inferiorly with respect to the anteroinferior clavicular ridge and attached to 90.9 ± 7.3% of the anterior ACLC. The trapezius inserted onto the posterior and superior ACLC, covering 15.3 ± 3.4% of the anterior-posterior width of the superior capsule. The deltopectoral interval was 6 cm, or 37% the length of the clavicle from the distal end of the clavicle.

Conclusions: The deltoid has superior, anterior, and not as well described, inferior attachments to the lateral clavicle. Furthermore, the deltoid and trapezius muscles have intimate attachments to the AC joint capsule, particularly the trapezius to the posterior and posterosuperior capsule. Lastly, the deltoid origin attaches to the lateral 6 cm of the clavicle.

Clinical Relevance: Subperiosteal elevation of the deltoid off the lateral clavicle starting superiorly, anteriorly, and lastly inferiorly will reduce deltoid muscle injury and improve visibility of the coracoid process during reconstruction. Furthermore, knowledge of the attachments of the deltoid and trapezius to the ACLC may help limit iatrogenic injury to these dynamic stabilizers.