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Deltoid Tuberosity of the Humerus

tuberositas deltoidea humeri

The deltoid tuberosity is a roughened V-shaped area on the lateral surface of the mid-humeral shaft approximately at the junction of the proximal and middle thirds, where the deltoid muscle inserts. It is palpable as a slight elevation on the lateral arm and serves as a landmark for the humeral midshaft and the level of the radial nerve in the spiral groove just posterior to it.

Region: Upper Arm

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The deltoid tuberosity is a landmark for humeral shaft fracture classification and for identifying the level of the radial nerve in the spiral groove. The nerve passes from posterior to anterior at this level, making it vulnerable to fractures at the mid-shaft. Humeral nailing uses the deltoid tuberosity as a reference: antegrade nails are placed from the greater tuberosity, while retrograde nails from the olecranon fossa; both converge at the isthmus around the deltoid tuberosity level. Post-traumatic deltoid avulsion at this tuberosity is rare but produces shoulder abduction weakness.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Radial Nerve at Deltoid Tuberosity Level

Humeral shaft fracture at the deltoid tuberosity level in the mid-shaft is the classic Holstein-Lewis fracture location for radial nerve injury; the nerve passes from the posterior spiral groove to the anterior compartment at this exact level and is prone to both contusion and entrapment in the fracture site.