Latissimus Dorsi Transfer Research Articles

Improved long-term functional outcome after a latissimus dorsi transfer with or without subscapularis muscle lengthening or release

A brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) can lead to a limited shoulder function, especially abduction and external rotation. One of the treatment options to restore those shoulder functions is a latissimus dorsi transfer (LDT). The aim of this study is to analyze long-term functional outcome after a single LDT and compare these results with LDT combined with subscapularis muscle lengthening (SSL) or subscapularis muscle release (SSR). This cohort study included 39 patients (≤12 years old) with one-sided BPBI. All patients had an inter- nal rotation- and adduction contracture without glenohumeral joint deformity. A LDT was performed with or without SSL or SSR, resulting in 3 patient study groups. Demographic data and pre- and post- operative Mallet scores were collected and analysed for each group. The median age was 4.0 years (IQR 3.1) and there were no differences in patient demographics. In all patients surgery improved external rotation and overall shoulder function, at 9.8 years follow-up. Also, the total Mallet score increased significantly with 1.7 (p=0.001) in our (entire) study cohort. A LDT, with a SSL or SSR in case of an intra-operative internal contracture, improves shoulder function and preserves external rotation in patients (≤12 years old) with BPBI, at a follow up of 9.8 years.

Results of Latissimus Dorsi Transfer using a Tendinous Allograft through a Single Deltopectoral Approach for Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears.

Objective The primary aim of the present study is to evaluate the functional results of a modification to the latissimus dorsi (LD) transfer around the shoulder for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. The secondary aim is to evaluate variables that might influence the outcomes. Surgical Technique Through a single deltopectoral approach, the LD tendon is detached, reinforced, and elongated with a tendinous allograft, transferred around the humerus, and fixed superolaterally to the greater tuberosity and anteriorly to the subscapularis. Methods Retrospective functional evaluation of 16 cases. The average follow-up was 21 months (12–47). The postoperative results (at last follow-up) were compared with the preoperative ones, as well as to other pre, intra, and postoperative variables. Results All (but one) patients were satisfied. Average University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score increased from 11.6 (8–16) to 27.3 (17–30) ( p < 0.001). Improvements of shoulder pain, function, and strength achieved statistical significance ( p < 0.001). Nonetheless, normal strength was never restored. Average active range of motion improved as follows: forward elevation, from 106° (60–140°) to 145° (130–160°) ( p < 0.001); external rotation from 30° (0° to 60°) to 54° (40–70°) ( p < 0.001); and internal rotation from L1 (gluteus to T7) to T10 (T12–T3) ( p < 0.05). No complication has occurred. Preoperative pseudoparesis was reverted in all the six cases in which it was present. None of the variables analyzed influenced the outcomes, including pseudoparesis. Conclusions At early follow-up, this technique is safe and effective at recovering from pseudoparesis and at improving shoulder pain, function, and strength.

Mid-term outcomes after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with latissimus dorsi transfer.

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is a common treatment for patients with rotator cuff arthropathy who have failed a prior rotator cuff repair. Latissimus dorsi transfer can be performed simultaneously to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for patients with preoperative external rotation deficiency. Current literature is limited with several studies providing functional and pain improvements at short-term follow-up; however, there is a deficit in data regarding mid-term outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with latissimus dorsi transfer with mid-term follow-up. We hypothesized significant improvement in external rotation and shoulder functionality for patients with preoperative external rotation lag. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with latissimus dorsi transfer. Preoperative and postoperative changes in range of motion were assessed. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon Score and the Simple Shoulder Test were used to evaluate changes in shoulder function while pain scores were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Radiographs were reviewed for rotator cuff arthropathy, fatty infiltration, scapular notching, baseplate loosening, and osteolysis. We reported frequency and mean ± standard deviation for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Means were compared using the paired Student's t-test and proportions using the Chi-square test. Fifteen patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the cohort was 71.7 ± 8.4 years (range 51.2-87.8 years) with a mean follow-up of 6.3 ± 4.1 years (range 1.0-14.5 years). Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with latissimus dorsi transfer improved external rotation (-7 ± 21.3° to 38 ± 15.8°; p value = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference regarding forward flexion (116.3 ± 45.4° to 133.7 ± 14.7°; p value = 0.17) and internal rotation (T12 to L2; p value = 0.57). The procedure led to an increase in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon Score scores (37 ± 19 to 62 ± 22; p = 0.005) and Simple Shoulder Test scores (2 ± 2 to 6 ± 3; p value = 0.001) with a significant reduction in Visual Analog Scale scores (5 ± 3 to 2 ± 3; p value = 0.022). The procedure corrected external rotation lag in 10 patients. Radiographically, rotator cuff arthropathy was found to be grade 3 in two patients, grade 4 A in four patients, grade 4B in eight patients, and grade 5 in one patient. On postoperative imaging, scapular notching was found in six patients (40%). Twelve patients had cortical humeral erosion at the site of the latissimus dorsi transfer. Only one patient experienced a shoulder-related complication which was aseptic baseplate loosening and required a revision reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with allograft. In this study, patients undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with latissimus dorsi transfer experienced improvements in range of motion, functional scores, and pain at mid-term follow-up. The shoulder-related complication rate was low.Level of evidence: IV; Case series.

Prospective, randomized evaluation of latissimus dorsi transfer and superior capsular reconstruction in massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears

The treatment of massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears remains controversial today because there is no consensus on the ideal treatment option. This investigation aimed to prospectively evaluate and compare the outcomes of arthroscopy-assisted latissimus dorsi transfer and superior capsular reconstruction in the treatment of massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears. Forty-two patients at an average age of 62.8 years with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears were randomized into 2 treatment groups. Twenty-one patients underwent arthroscopy-assisted latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDT), and 21 patients underwent arthroscopy-assisted superior capsular reconstruction (SCR). The patients were followed up prospectively for 31 months on average. One patient in the SCR group was lost to follow-up. The outcomes were evaluated with American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC), visual analog scale (VAS), and Constant scores clinically and with acromiohumeral distance (AHD) measurements radiologically. Both groups displayed improved results in ASES, WORC, Constant, and VAS scores in the final follow-up (P < .001). The LDT group had significantly better results in AHD (P = .006), whereas the SCR group yielded significantly higher improvements in ASES (P = .007) and Constant (P = .008) scores. The rate of successful pseudoparalysis treatment was 45% (5/11) in the LDT group and 92% (12/13) in the SCR group (P = .011). The graft failure rate was 5% (1 patient) in each group postoperatively; 1 patient in the SCR group had a traumatic graft rupture and 1 patient in the LDT group was complicated with septic arthritis, which required graft removal. Both SCR and LDT yielded promising short-term results in treatment of massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears in this study. The SCR group displayed better overall outcomes clinically, particularly in the pseudoparalytic shoulders, whereas the LDT group displayed better radiologic results.

Effect of Glenohumeral Reduction Type Combined With Tendon Transfer for Brachial Plexus Injury on Objective, Functional, and Patient-Reported Outcomes

Glenohumeral (GH) joint reductions are frequently performed during tendon transfer surgery for brachial plexus birth injuries (BPBI); however, the effect of reduction method (none required, closed, surgical) has not been assessed. This study compared objective, functional, and patient-reported outcomes between children who underwent a tendon transfer and (1) did not require GH reduction, (2) required concomitant closed GH reduction, or (3) required concomitant surgical GH reduction. Fifty-four children with BPBI who previously underwent teres major and/or latissimus dorsi transfer with or without concomitant GH reduction participated. Joint reduction method was classified as none required (n= 21), closed (n= 9), or surgical (n= 24). Motion capture was collected in a neutral position, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation. Glenohumeral joint angles and displacements were calculated. Joint angular displacements represented the differences between the joint angles in each terminal position and the joint angles of the arm at rest in the neutral position. A hand surgeon determined modified Mallet scores. Participants' parents completed the Brachial Plexus Profile Activity Short Form (BP-PRO-SF) to assess physical activity performance. The no-reduction group had significantly less GH elevation than the surgical-reduction group for all positions and significantly less GH elevation than the closed-reduction group for the neutral, external rotation, and internal rotation positions. There were no differences in GH rotation angles. Glenohumeral joint displacements from neutral and modified Mallet scores were similar. The no-reduction group demonstrated significantly greater BP-PRO-SF scores than the surgical-reduction group. Patients who underwent a closed or surgical GH joint reduction consistently displayed more GH elevation. Clinically, this corresponds to an abduction contracture. Whereas increased abduction contracture provided a benefit of greater overhead motion, modified Mallet scores were similar between groups. The surgical-reduction group demonstrated lower BP-PRO-SF outcomes. Therapeutic IV.

Arthroscopic-Assisted Anterior Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for Irreparable Anterior Rotator Cuff Tear: A Technical Note

Several reconstruction techniques for irreparable tears of the subscapularis tendon have been described with variable results regarding pain relief, functional recovery, and dynamic stabilization of the glenohumeral joint. Because of a more advantageous direction of movement compared with previously described transfer techniques such as transfer of the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor tendons, the anterior latissimus dorsi (LD) transfer has been proposed as a potentially beneficial treatment method. This Technical Note aims to introduce an alternative technique for the anterior LD transfer that combines the advantages of a proper muscle release and tendon reinforcement through an axillary incision with the arthroscopic intra-articular and periarticular work, including detachment of the LD tendon from its humeral insertion and reattachment at the lesser tuberosity.

Graft-Augmented Repair of Irreparable Massive Rotator Cuff Tears with Latissimus Dorsi Transfer to Treat Pseudoparesis.

Background:Irreparable massive rotator cuff tears are characterized by a poor prognosis with high failure rates following repair. Numerous strategies, such as partial repair, graft interposition, latissimus dorsi (LD) transfer, balloon arthroplasty, and superior capsular reconstruction, have been proposed. We have adopted a graft-augmented LD-transfer procedure, in which partial repair, graft interposition, and LD transfer are performed simultaneously.Methods:Thirty-nine patients underwent the graft-augmented LD-transfer procedure using autologous fascia lata from 2007 to 2016. All patients underwent a 5-year assessment at a mean (and standard deviation) of 54.8 ± 3.5 months. Of 20 patients with a history of >10 years, 14 underwent a 10-year assessment at a mean of 112.6 ± 5.6 months. To characterize the therapeutic effects of the procedure, the patients were divided into 3 groups according to the tear pattern: superior-posterior tears (Group A), superior-anterior tears (Group B), and global tears (Group C).Results:The overall mean Constant-Murley score improved from 33.8 ± 5.3 preoperatively to 63.1 ± 9.4 at the 5-year assessment (p < 0.001). The overall mean active anterior elevation (AE) improved from 57.3° ± 13.2° preoperatively to 131.3° ± 18.2° at 5 years (p < 0.001). Preoperatively, AE was significantly different between Groups A and C (p < 0.001) and between Groups B and C (p < 0.001), reflecting the difference in cuff tear patterns. Postoperatively, AE was significantly higher in Group A than in Groups B (p < 0.001) and C (p < 0.001). The present study also showed that AE was electromyographically synchronized to the contraction of the transferred LD. The transferred LD was kinetically more potent at a slower speed, but it was easier to exhaust, than the native rotator cuff. Osteoarthritis progression was radiographically found to occur during the first 5 years.Conclusions:The graft-augmented LD-transfer procedure may be a treatment option for massive rotator cuff tears, especially for active patients who are <60 years old.Level of Evidence:Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Biomechanical analysis of arthroscopically assisted latissimus dorsi transfer fixation for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears-Knotless versus knotted anchors.

We compared the construct stability of traditional knotted techniques with modern knotless anchor systems used in arthroscopically assisted latissimus dorsi transfers (aLDTs) for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Eighteen cadaveric shoulders were age- and gender-matched to the following three groups: knotted group (two knotted anchors); knotless group (two knotless anchors); and triple anchor group (two knotless anchors; one all-suture anchor at the apex of the humeral head). All tendons were cyclically loaded in line of the aLDT over 400 cycles followed by a load to failure test. Outcome measures were the ultimate load to failure, elongation, construct stiffness, and failure modes. The triple anchor group revealed the highest ultimate load to failure (431 ± 78 N) compared with the knotted (326 ± 52 N; p = .022) and knotless (353 ± 105 N; p = .129) groups. Total elongation and construct stiffness were not significantly different comparing all three groups. The failure modes were: anchor pull-out in all specimen of the knotted group; three (50%) anchor pull-out and three suture pull-out in the knotless group (p = .046); four (67%) anchor pull-out, one (17%) suture pull-out and one tendon pull-out in the triple anchor group. Biomechanical analyses of knotless fixation techniques for aLDTs show similar construct stability and elongation compared with the traditional, knotted techniques. Bone fixation seems to be improved with the knotless anchor systems. In our practice, we continue to use the knotless fixation technique for aLDT and in the situation of weak, osteoporotic bone, we add a third (all-suture) anchor to improve construct stability.

Arthroscopy-Assisted Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for Irreparable Subscapularis Tears

Irreparable tears of the subscapularis (SS) tendon are difficult to manage and represent a challenge for the surgeon, especially in young and active patients. They are associated with a horizontal imbalance of the shoulder, causing pain and limitation of active internal rotation. Historically, the alternative for these patients has been transfer of the pectoralis major, with all its variations, total or partial, up or under the conjoint tendon. However, this transfer has mechanical disadvantages, especially related to the vector of traction, because it originates in the anterior region of the chest. In 2013, Elhassan and colleagues demonstrated in cadavers the technical feasibility and neurological safety of performing transfers of the latissimus dorsi (LD) to the lesser tuberosity to reconstruct irreparable lesions of the subscapularis. This option, compared with alternatives, has superior biomechanical advantages such as a similar vector of traction, originating from lower and posterior to the thorax, in addition to involving a synergistic muscle in action. In early 2016, Kany and colleagues first published a study of 5 patients undergoing arthroscopic assisted LD to SS transfer, with promising results. Our purpose is to present an arthroscopically assisted latissimus dorsi transfer technique in patients with irreparable subscapularis rupture.

Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer in reverse shoulder arthroplasty: transfer location affects strength.

BackgroundThe optimal insertion location of a latissimus dorsi tendon transfer to restore external rotation after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is not well established. The aim of this biomechanical study was to determine the effect of tendon transfer location on external rotation torque, in conjunction with varying RSA humeral component lateralization. We hypothesized that proximal tendon transfers, along with increasing humeral lateralization, would maximize external rotation torque.MethodsEight fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders underwent RSA and were tested on an in vitro shoulder simulator. A latissimus dorsi tendon transfer was tested at three insertion locations (lateral greater tuberosity [Lat-GT]; teres minor footprint [Tm-FP]; lateral shaft [Lat-Shft]), and external rotation torque was measured. Additional test conditions included varying humeral component lateralization (-5, 0, +5, +10, +15 mm), abduction angle (0°, 45°, 90°), and internal/external rotation (-60°, -30°, 0°, 30°, 60°).ResultsThe Lat-GT and Tm-FP insertions of the latissimus dorsi transfer both generated significantly greater torques (P < .001) than the Lat-Shft. When comparing Lat-GT to Tm-FP, there were no significant differences (P = .362). At 60˚ of external rotation, RSA humeral component lateralization from -5 to +15 mm significantly increased the external rotation torque of Lat-GT by 67% (P = .035), Tm-FP by 43% (P = .001), and of Lat-Shft by 42% (P = .002).ConclusionLatissimus dorsi tendon transfer to the proximal lateral aspect of the greater tuberosity and to the insertion site of the teres minor generated significantly more external rotation torque than transfer to the lateral humeral shaft. In addition, the use of a humeral component with greater offset also substantially increases the torque generated by the tendon transfer.

The Schulthess local Shoulder Arthroplasty Registry (SAR): cohort profile

PurposeClinical registries are essential for evaluation of surgical outcomes. The Schulthess Shoulder Arthroplasty Registry (SAR) was established in 2006 to evaluate safety, function, quality-of-life and patient satisfaction in patients undergoing...

Technical Guide and Tips to Anterior Arthroscopic Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for Irreparable Subscapularis Tears

In young patients, irreparable subscapularis tears can be managed by latissimus dorsi (LD) transfer on the lesser tuberosity. We provide a technical guide for isolated LD anterior transfer. The surgical procedure begins with glenohumeral exploration and release of the remaining subscapularis. Then, we dissect the LD tendon below the subscapularis. At the upper and inferior borders, we dissect the LD from the teres major, protecting the radial nerve anteriorly and inferiorly. Next, we detach the LD. Inferiorly, we cut the aponeurotic expansion for the triceps. A Foley catheter is used as a shuttle relay, anterior to the axillary nerve and medial and posterior to the radial nerve. We continue with an open dissection of the LD, posterior to the axillary fossa, to release the LD from the skin and tip of the scapula. The LD is transferred on the lesser tuberosity after retrieved by the Foley catheter, with care taken not to twist the tendon. It is fixed with 2 lateral anchors and 1 medial anchor. A shoulder brace is worn for 6 weeks. Physiotherapy begins thereafter.

Robotic Transfer of the Latissimus Dorsi Associated With Levator Scapulae and Rhomboid Minor Mini-Open Transfers for Trapezium Palsy

Robotic surgery has been used for a long time. With advantages over traditional surgical methods, it is earning space and expanding use to daily medical practice in several surgical specialties. This Technical Note presents an endoscopic robotic posterior shoulder approach using the DaVinci® robot. It can allow the surgeon to perform latissimus dorsi transfer endoscopically and associate it with levator scapulae and rhomboid minor mini-open transfers to treat accessory nerve lesions with trapezium muscle palsy. This technique is an alternative to Eden-Lange and triple-tendon transfer.

Osseous changes following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty combined with latissimus dorsi transfer: a case series.

BackgroundThis is the first report on the incidence of proximal humerus osseous changes and associated clinical consequences in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty combined with a latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (RTSA+LDT).MethodsA multicenter, retrospective review identified all patients who had undergone a primary RTSA+LDT and had at least 3-month radiographic follow-up between 2012 and 2017. Data collection included demographics, oral steroid use, repair technique for LDT fixation, radiographic humeral osseous changes, complications, and need for revision surgery.ResultsTwenty-four patients were included with an average age of 70.7 ± 7.9 years and follow-up of 16.3 (3-50) months. Ten patients (41.7%) developed osseous changes at the transfer location. There was no increased risk of developing osseous changes based on the surgical fixation technique (P = .421). Average time to earliest radiographic detection of osseous changes was 2.7 ± 1.7 months, with all changes occurring at or before 6 months. Two patients developed proximal humerus fractures, of which 1 had osseous changes through which the fracture occurred.DiscussionRTSA+LDT may place the proximal humeral cortex at greater risk than previously described. Using a long-stem prosthesis in the setting of RTSA+LDT may limit the consequences of this complication.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty with &lt;i&gt;Latissimus Dorsi&lt;/i&gt; Transfer for Humerus Fractures Sequelae

Relevance. Fractures of the proximal humerus occupy the 3rd place in the structure of fractures in the elderly. Failure to treat these injuries leads to irreversible changes in the shoulder. The main treatment for the latter is arthroplasty. The surgical treatment of this category of patients is still a difficult task. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of standard reverse arthroplasty with reverse arthroplasty in combination with the reconstruction of the external rotators of the shoulder or transposition of the latissimus dorsi. Materials and Methods. The retrospective evaluation of treatment results of 96 patients with consequences of shoulder injuries was conducted. Of these, 51 patients underwent standard reverse arthroplasty (group I), and 45 patients (group II) underwent arthroplasty with reconstruction of the external rotators of the shoulder or transposition of the latissimus dorsi. The female patients accounted for 68.8%. The duration of the injury varied from 8 months to 2.5 years, the follow-up — from 1 to 7 years (Me = 3.5). The results were assessed with VAS, ASES, UCLA scales. Results. The positive outcomes were observed in most patients. Complications: dislocations of the endoprosthesis occurred in 16.7%, infectious complications — in 5.2%, shoulder component instability — in 2.1%, fracture of the humeral diaphysis — in 3.1%, neurovascular bundle injury — in 2.1% of cases. In the patients of group I, dislocations occurred significantly more often than in the patients of group II. To reduce the risk of complications, a rational tactic has been developed for treating patients with consequences of shoulder injuries. If electroneuromyography values from the deltoid muscle were less than 40% of the contralateral side, or if mineral bone density T-score was less than 2.5 SD, arthroplasty was not performed. During arthroplasty, it is necessary to perform the direct suturing of the of the infraspinatus and teres minor tendons to the humerus. If it is impossible, the latissimus dorsi transfer is indicated. Conclusion. Reverse arthroplasty in the treatment of the humerus fractures sequelae is an effective technique. To reduce the risk of complications, it is necessary to provide the additional stability of the endoprosthesis by reconstruction of the external rotators or latissimus dorsi transfer. It is advisable to refrain from arthroplasty in cases of severe deltoid hypotrophy and severe osteoporosis.

Arthroscopic lower trapezius tendon transfer provides equivalent outcomes to latissimus dorsi transfer in the treatment of massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to compare early postoperative recovery following open and arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi tendon (aa-LDT) transfer to arthroscopic-assisted lower trapezius tendon (aa-LTT) transfer for patients with massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff pathology.MethodsA multicentre retrospective analysis comparing the postoperative outcomes after open LDT, arthroscopic-assisted LDT (aa-LDT) or arthroscopic-assisted LTT (aa-LTT) was performed. Active range of motion and patient-reported subjective outcomes were reported preoperatively and postoperatively. Overall, there were 10 patients who underwent open LDT transfer, 16 aaLDT transfers and 8 aa-LTT transfers with mean age of 55±3, 57±6 and 53±13, respectively. Mean follow-up was 22±10 months.ResultsArthroscopic-assisted LDT had significantly improved postoperative forward flexion (85–124, p<0.003) and external rotation (29–38, p<0.005), whereas aa-LTT had significantly improved postoperative forward flexion (101–146, p<0.04). Arthroscopic-assisted LDT and aa-LTT transfers improved American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Shoulder Function scores and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) at 2 years (p<0.03). Arthroscopic-assisted LTT compared with open LDT demonstrated significantly improved ASES Shoulder Index score (20.0 vs 12.6; 84.8 vs 55.6) and visual analogue scale (VAS) (0.66 vs 4.14; 1.17 vs 3.88) at postoperative 6 months and 2 years, respectively. Arthroscopic-assisted LDT transfer compared with open LDT had improved VAS at 6 months (0.66 vs 2.11, p<0.05). In total, 6 (17.6%) complications were noted. These included two infections with Cutibacterium acnes, two axillary nerve injuries, complex regional pain syndrome and a postsurgical adhesive capsulitis.ConclusionsArthroscopic-assisted LDT and aa-LTT transfers provided improvement in pain and function at 2-year follow-up. The aa-LTT transfer provided significantly improved outcomes at 2 years compared with the open-LDT (latissimus dorsi tendon transfer) transfer. This study demonstrates superiority of arthroscopic-assisted tendon transfer techniques over traditional open techniques while establishing the aa-LTT transfer as a safe and effective alternative in the management of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears.Level of evidenceIV.

Pectoralis Major and Anterior Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for Subscapularis Tears.

Irreparable subscapularis tears represent a challenging entity, especially when they occur in younger patients with high functional demands. Tendon transfers are one of the options considered for surgical management for this pathology. The purpose of this article is to review the surgical technique and outcome of the two most common tendon transfers considered for irreparable subscapularis tears: pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi. Transfer of the pectoralis major has been considered for decades the transfer of choice for irreparable subscapularis tears. Recently, a series with long-term follow-up (over 18years) supported the reduction in pain and improvement in functional scores and patient satisfaction after pectoralis major transfer. However, the range of motion and the force in internal rotation were not maintained over time. Transfer of the latissimus dorsi to the lesser tuberosity has been recently described as an alternative with a sound biomechanical rationale and encouraging short-term results. Transfer of the pectoralis major and the transfer of latissimus dorsi to the lesser tuberosity are the two transfers most commonly considered for patients with irreparable subscapularis tears. Transfer of the pectoralis major has a much longer track record. Both procedures seem to improve outcomes. Comparative studies are needed to determine the relative indications of these two procedures.

Paediatric Elbow Flexion Reconstruction with the Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap, Case Report and Literature Review

We have conducted two latissimus dorsi transfers for elbow function reconstruction in paediatric patients at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. The first patient was a four-year-old girl with distal, asymmetric arthrogryposis, involving the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. The second patient was a five-year-old boy with paediatric brachial plexus injury, with C5 and C6 root avulsions with an inability to flex the elbow, as well as a glenohumeral contracture. He presented following a rotational humerus osteotomy. We performed a unipolar latissimus dorsi transfer in both patients with good results. We also performed a literature review to compare the available methods of elbow flexion reconstruction, especially in paediatric cases. We believe that the latissimus dorsi transfer is the preferred muscle transfer for reconstructing elbow function and the literature review supports this assertion.

The biomechanical effectiveness of tendon transfers to restore rotation after reverse shoulder arthroplasty: latissimus versus lower trapezius.

The purpose of this biomechanical simulator study was primarily to compare latissimus dorsi to lower trapezius tendon transfers for active external rotation and the pectoralis major transfer for internal rotation after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Secondarily, the role of humeral component lateralization on transfer function was assessed. Eight rotator cuff deficient cadavers underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty with an adjustable lateralization humeral component. Latissimus dorsi and lower trapezius transfers were compared for active external rotation restoration and pectoralis major transfer for internal rotation restoration. Internal rotation/external rotation torques were measured for each lateralization at varying abduction and internal rotation/external rotation ranges-of-motion. The lower trapezius transfer generated, on average, 1.6 ± 0.2 nm more torque than the latissimus dorsi transfer (p < 0.001). The internal rotation/external rotation torques of all tendon transfers decreased as abduction increased (p < 0.01). At 0° elevation, reverse shoulder arthroplasty humeral component lateralization had a significant positive effect on tendon transfer torque at 60° internal rotation and external rotation (p < 0.01). Both the lower trapezius and the latissimus dorsi tendon transfers were effective in restoring active external rotation after reverse shoulder arthroplasty; however, the lower trapezius generated significantly more torque. Additionally, the pectoralis major transfer was effective in restoring active internal rotation. All tendon transfers were optimized with greater humeral component lateralization.

Surgical Management of Massive Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears: Arthroscopic-Assisted Lower Trapezius Transfer.

Functionally irreparable rotator cuff tears (FIRCTs) remain one of the most challenging pathologies treated in the shoulder. The lower trapezius transfer represents a very promising treatment option for posterosuperior FIRCT. This article reviews the role for the lower trapezius transfer in the treatment of patient with FIRCTs and highlights the tips and tricks to performing this arthroscopic-assisted procedure. The treatment of posterosuperior FIRCTs contemplates a wide array of surgical options, including partial repair, biceps tenodesis/tenotomy, superior capsule reconstruction, subacromial balloon, reverse shoulder arthroplasty, and open-/arthroscopic-assisted tendon transfers. Tendon transfers have emerged as very promising reconstructive options to rebalance the anterior-posterior force couple. Controversy remains regarding the relative indications of latissimus dorsi transfer (LDT) and lower trapezius transfer (LTT). Initially used with very good success in patients with brachial plexus injuries, the open LTT has shown excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes in a recent series of patients with FIRCTs. However, this technique should be reserved for patients with an intact or reparable subscapularis tendon and no advanced glenohumeral arthritis or humeral head femoralization. With advancements in surgical technique, the arthroscopic-assisted LTT has shown similar promising results. However, studies on arthroscopically assisted LTT are limited to short-term follow-up, and future comparative trials with large patient numbers and longer follow-up are needed to better understand the indications for this novel tendon transfer in the treatment of FIRCT. The arthroscopic-assisted LTT is a novel, promising option for the treatment of patients with functional irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Careful attention to indications and technical pearls are paramount when performing this procedure to optimize postoperative clinical outcomes.