Transfer of the latissimus dorsi and teres major for irreparable rotator-cuff tears

Abstract

We treated 32 shoulders in the period of 1993 to 2002 by the transfer of latissimus dorsi and teres mayor technic. We evaluate 29 shoulders in 26 patients with irreparable rotator-cuff, before and after surgery using the University of California at Los Angele (UCLA) protocol.There were 15 men and 11 women. The mean age was 62.8 years and the average follow-up was 58 months (14 to 114 months). The exclusion criteria were: follow-up less than 12 months (Two cases) and death (One case).The results were excellent in 10 shoulders, good in 11, fair in six and poor in only two shoulders.The active forward flexion increased 60 degrees at average. The group in which the biceps was not compromised showed better results than the group in which the biceps was absent when we evaluate about function, active forward flexion and strength.The authors concluded that the transfer of latissimus dorsi, with the bone insertion is a efficient technique in restoring the function of irreparable lesions of rotator-cuff.