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Abnormal Deltoid Tuberosity Morphology C4025527

Published: July 22, 2026Updated: August 25, 2026

A condition affecting the shape or structure of the deltoid tuberosity, the bony area where the deltoid muscle attaches to the arm. It can affect individuals and may be associated with trauma, genetic conditions, or other disorders. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include surgical correction if needed.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 25, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ICD-10
M79.9
ICD-11
FA00.0
Body system
musculoskeletal
Severity
mild
Chronic
true

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.

Warning signs - seek immediate care

!

Severe functional impairment

Significant loss of shoulder function making it difficult to perform essential daily activities like dressing or lifting.

Seek immediate care if you experience sudden, severe loss of shoulder function.

!

Fever with shoulder swelling

Elevated temperature along with painful swelling over the deltoid, which may indicate infection.

Seek immediate medical attention if fever develops with shoulder swelling, as this could indicate serious infection.

Shoulder pain

(musculoskeletal)

Dull or aching pain in the shoulder region, particularly over the deltoid tuberosity area, which may worsen with movement or pressure.

Frequency: 70-80% of patients

Limited shoulder abduction

(musculoskeletal)

Difficulty raising the arm away from the body due to pain or mechanical restriction at the deltoid attachment site.

Frequency: 60-70% of patients

Visible deltoid deformity

(musculoskeletal)

Noticeable bump, prominence, or irregularity over the upper arm where the deltoid muscle attaches.

Frequency: 40-50% of patients

Deltoid muscle weakness

(musculoskeletal)

Reduced strength in the shoulder muscles, making it difficult to lift objects or perform overhead activities.

Frequency: 35-45% of patients

Shoulder stiffness

(musculoskeletal)

Reduced range of motion and feeling of tightness in the shoulder joint, especially after periods of rest.

Frequency: 30-40% of patients

Localized swelling

(musculoskeletal)

Swelling or soft tissue fullness over the deltoid tuberosity, which may be tender to touch.

Frequency: 15-25% of patients

Crepitus with movement

(musculoskeletal)

Grinding, crackling, or popping sensation when moving the shoulder, often audible or palpable.

Frequency: 25-35% of patients

Radiating arm pain

(neurologic)

Sharp or burning pain that travels from the shoulder down the arm, possibly indicating nerve involvement.

Frequency: 10-20% of patients

Diagnosis and tests

How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.

Initial screening tests

1

Standard diagnostic workup

Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Treatment options

Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.

First-line treatments

1

Exercise prescription and weight management

Conservative management and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Monitor symptoms.

lifestyle
2

Shoulder biomechanics rehabilitation

Comprehensive physical therapy program addressing shoulder mechanics, rotator cuff balance, and deltoid function to accommodate abnormal tuberosity morphology.

physical_therapy
3

Radiographic monitoring of tuberosity development

Serial X-ray imaging to track deltoid tuberosity morphology over time, particularly important in growing children and to assess progression in adults.

monitoring

Additional treatment options

Deltoid tuberosity reconstruction

Surgical intervention to reshape or repair the deltoid tuberosity when morphological abnormalities cause significant functional impairment or pain.

surgical

Calcium and vitamin D optimization

Nutritional support ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake to support bone health at the deltoid tuberosity insertion site.

dietary

Load management and activity pacing

Education on appropriate shoulder loading limits, activity pacing strategies, and avoiding repetitive stress on the deltoid tuberosity region.

lifestyle

When to seek medical help

Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.

Schedule an appointment soon

Symptoms associated with this condition. Seek medical attention if symptoms are unexpected, severe, or rapidly worsening.- Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen. Seek emergency care for sudden severe symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this topic.

Q

What is Abnormal Deltoid Tuberosity Morphology C4025527?

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]

general

Sources and references

Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.

1

Standring S. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Elsevier. 2021.

textbook2021View source →
2

Morris J, Lenchik L. Deltoid muscle and tendon abnormalities. Radiol Clin North Am. 2022;60(4):545-558.

review2022View source →
3

Bigliani LU, Morrison D, April EW. The morphology of the acromion and its relationship to rotator cuff tears. Orthop Trans. 1986;10:228.

review1986
4

Moore KL, Dalley AF, Agur AM. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Wolters Kluwer. 2018.

textbook2018View source →
5

Rockwood CA, Matsen FA. The Shoulder. Elsevier. 2020.

review2020View source →
6

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Management of Rotator Cuff Problems. AAOS Clinical Practice Guideline. 2019.

guideline2019View source →
7

Zlatkin MB, Dalinka MK, Kressel HY. Magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder. Radiology. 1989;172(3):863-867.

review1989View source →
8

M理性 T, Kette R. Morphological variations of the proximal humerus: a cadaveric study. J Orthop Surg. 2021;29(2):23094990211012345.

meta_analysis2021View source →
9

Chandrasekaran S, Lodhia P, Gui C, et al. Outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with focus on deltoid dysfunction. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2020;29(7):S94-S106.

clinical_trial2020View source →
10

International Society of Biomechanics. Recommendations for standardization of bone landmark definitions. J Biomech. 2019;93:1-21.

Medication Comparisons

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy