Subdeltoid bursa
Bursa subdeltoidea
Definition
The subdeltoid bursa is a large synovial bursa located beneath the deltoid muscle and above the shoulder joint capsule and supraspinatus tendon. It lies lateral to the subacromial bursa, and in most individuals, the two bursae are continuous, forming a single subacromial–subdeltoid bursal complex.
Relations
Surface | Related Structures |
Superior | Deep surface of the deltoid muscle |
Inferior | Supraspinatus tendon and capsule of the shoulder joint |
Medial | Merges with subacromial bursa beneath the coracoacromial arch |
Lateral | Extends over the greater tubercle of the humerus |
Function
The subdeltoid bursa facilitates smooth gliding of the deltoid over the humeral head during arm abduction by reducing the friction between the deltoid and the underlying supraspinatus tendon and joint capsule.
Clinical correlate
Because the subdeltoid bursa often communicates with the subacromial bursa, inflammation commonly involves both. Subdeltoid bursitis (as part of the shoulder bursitis and/or shoulder impingement syndrome) can produce pain during the mid-range of arm abduction and during overhead arm movement. Tenderness can be palpated beneath the deltoid muscle.
References
Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier. Chapter 48: Shoulder girdle and arm, pp. 815.
Creech JA, Silver S. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome. [Updated 2023 Apr 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554518/
