Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears: a systematic review

Revision rates and progression to shoulder arthroplasty after arthroscopic repair of massive rotator cuff tears

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the rate of progression to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) and to other interventions as revision surgeries after an arthroscopic repair of a massive rotator cuff tear (MRCT). Additionally, the review aimed at defining the best arthroscopic approach for the treatment of MRCTs in terms of failure and revision rates.

METHODS

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the rates of progression to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in patients who underwent primary arthroscopic repair of an MRCT with different arthroscopic procedures. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the rate of progression to revision surgery and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

RESULTS

Eighteen articles were included in the qualitative synthesis and 14 articles were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, 934 patients and 950 shoulders were involved in the review. Seven-hundred and thirty patients and 735 shoulders were included in the meta-analysis. The proportion of revisions to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty was 0.9%, 3.3% and 0.1% for complete repair, partial repair and superior capsular reconstruction, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found across the groups in terms of progression to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (n.s.). The average proportions of revisions to interventions different than reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. were 0.9% for complete repair, 2.0% for partial repair and 2.0% for superior capsular reconstruction again, no statistically relevant difference was found among the groups (n.s.).

CONCLUSIONS

The current review finds no statistically significant differences in the progression to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty or other revision procedures among partial repair, complete repair and superior capsular reconstruction for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. It is crucial to understand the long-term outcomes of different surgical techniques for massive rotator cuff tears, particularly regarding failure rates and progression to further procedures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Evaluation of spin in systematic reviews on the use of tendon transfer for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears

PURPOSE

To identify, describe and account for the incidence of spin in systematic reviews and meta-analyses of tendon transfer for the treatment of massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears. The secondary objective was to characterize the studies in which spin was identified and to determine whether identifiable patterns exist among studies with spin.

METHODS

This study was conducted per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Each abstract was assessed for the presence of the 15 most common types of spin derived from a previously established methodology. General data that were extracted included study title, authors, publication year, journal, level of evidence, study design, funding source, reported adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, preregistration of the study protocol, and methodologic quality per A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews Version 2 (AMSTAR 2).

RESULTS

The search yielded 53 articles, of which 13 were included in the final analysis. Articles were excluded if they were not published in a peer reviewed journal, not written in English, utilized cadaveric or nonhuman models, or lacked an abstract with accessible full text. 53.8% (7/13) of the included studies contained at least 1 type of spin in the abstract. Type 5 spin ("The conclusion claims beneficial effect of the experimental treatment despite a high risk of bias in primary studies") was the most common, appearing in 23.1% (3/13) of included abstracts. Nine of the spin categories did not appear in any of the included abstracts. A lower AMSTAR 2 score was significantly associated with the presence of spin in the abstract (P < .006).

CONCLUSION

Spin is highly prevalent in the abstracts of systematic reviews and meta-analyses concerning tendon transfer for massive rotator cuff tears. A lower overall AMSTAR 2 rating was associated with a higher incidence of spin. Future studies should continue to explore the prevalence of spin in orthopedic literature and identify any factors that may contribute to its presence.

Editorial Commentary: Lower Trapezius Transfer May Be Indicated for Surgical Management of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears in Younger, Non-Arthritic Patients

Although shoulder rotator cuff repair fixation constructs and suture anchor design have evolved, repair of massive or functionally irreparable tears historically has relied on tendon mobilization and compression, optimizing footprint biology, and attempting a tension-free repair. However, despite these efforts, rates of failure of complete healing may be high, ranging from 20% to 94%. This has led to a search for alternative approaches, including bridging grafts, subacromial balloons, superior capsular reconstructions, biologic tuberoplasties, bursal acromial grafts, and, ultimately, renewed interest in tendon transfers. The latissimus dorsi transfer was traditionally a preferred tendon-transfer technique for posterosuperior massive cuff tears, but inconsistent outcomes have resulted in declining popularity. Recently, the lower trapezius transfer (LTT) has gained acceptance for the treatment of posterosuperior tears, particularly with external rotation weakness and lag signs. The LTT is biomechanically superior to the latissimus dorsi transfer, offering a more native vector of pull and in-phase activation. LTT could be indicated for younger patients with massive cuff tears. However, LTT is relatively contraindicated in patients with cuff tear arthropathy; combined loss of elevation and external rotation; irreparable subscapularis tear; teres minor involvement; and/or those of advanced age or unable to comply with rigid rehabilitation guidelines.

Outcome Comparison of Latissimus Dorsi Transfer and Pectoralis Major Transfer for Irreparable Subscapularis Tendon Tear: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Latissimus dorsi transfer (LDT) and pectoralis major transfer (PMT) were developed to treat an irreparable subscapularis tendon tear (ISScT); however, the difference in their outcomes remains unclear.

PURPOSE

To systematically review and compare the outcomes of LDT and PMT for ISScT.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed through a comprehensive search of Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. Studies of LDT or PMT were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The primary outcome was the Constant-Murley score (CMS) at the final follow-up. Secondary outcomes included the subjective shoulder value (SSV), visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, active shoulder range of motion, and the belly-press and lift-off tests. Postoperative failure and complication rates were the safety outcome measures. Outcomes were summarized into the LDT and PMT groups, and results were compared statistically (P < .05).

RESULTS

Twelve studies were included in this review: 184 shoulders from 9 studies for the PMT group and 85 shoulders from 3 studies for the LDT group. For the PMT and LDT groups, the mean ages were 58.9 and 55.1 years, respectively, and the mean follow-up was 66.9 and 17.4 months, respectively. Overall, the LDT and PMT groups improved in the primary outcome (CMS) and secondary outcomes (SSV, VAS, ROM, and belly-press and lift-off tests), with low rates of failure and complication. When compared with the PMT group, the LDT group showed more significant improvements in CMS (35.2 vs 24.7; P < .001), active forward flexion (44.3° vs 14.7°; P < .001), abduction (35.0° vs 17.6°; P < .002), and positive belly-press test rate (45% vs 27%; P < .001). No statistically significant difference was seen between the groups in postoperative failure rate, complication rate, mean improvement of active internal rotation, VAS, or SSV.

CONCLUSION

In general, LDT showed significantly better clinical outcomes postoperatively than did PMT. The available fair-quality evidence suggested that LDT might be a better choice for ISScT. Further evaluations on the relative benefits of the 2 surgical approaches are required, with more high-quality randomized controlled studies.

Editorial Commentary: Predictors of Best Outcomes After Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear

The management of patients with massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears without glenohumeral arthritis remains a challenge to arthroscopic surgeons. A wide variety of treatment options have been described, including latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) and lower trapezius tendon transfer. These tendon transfers have been utilized to rebalance the glenohumeral force couple for patients with massive or irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Proponents of the latissimus dorsi tendon transfer have touted several theoretical advantages, including improvement of the shoulder fulcrum, optimization of the deltoid function, improved humeral head depression, and restoration of shoulder motion. Currently accepted contra-indications to LDTT include glenohumeral arthritis, irreparable subscapularis tear, axillary nerve palsy and/or deltoid insufficiency. However, few studies have investigated the ideal patient selection for LDTT, particularly as it relates to clinically significant outcomes. Recent literature suggests a high rate of complications and re-tear following LDTT, and studies suggest that older age, previous surgery, true pseuoparalysis, lower low pre-operative acromiohumeral interval (AHI) or AHI reversibility negatively impact results. Ultimately, candidates for tendon transfer should be carefully stratified according to their modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, and surgeons should understand how pre-operative patient characteristics may affect the treatment options available for this unique patient population. In the setting of supraspinatus and infraspinatus deficiency, we prefer to utilize the lower trapezius tendon transfer, given its more predictable handling characteristics, ease of harvest, and greater function consistency compared to LDTT.

Evaluating the role of graft integrity on outcomes: clinical and imaging results following superior capsular reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) addresses massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears in young patients. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate clinical outcomes and graft integrity in patients following SCR.

METHODS

Thirty-four consecutive patients undergoing SCR by 2 surgeons with minimum 2-year follow-up were identified. Functional outcomes were obtained, including Simple Shoulder Test (SST), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), visual analog scale (VAS), and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores. Graft integrity was evaluated on magnetic resonance images (MRIs).

RESULTS

Thirty-five shoulders in 34 patients were identified. Four patients underwent subsequent surgery. The mean preoperative scores were SST 21.6 ± 17.6, ASES 28.3 ± 10.1, SANE 50.6 ± 22.1, and VAS 6.6 ± 1.7. The mean postoperative outcomes were SST 79.1 ± 19.6, ASES 79.9 ± 17.4, SANE 74.3 ± 18.7, and VAS 1.5 ± 2.2. There was statistically significant improvement in SST, ASES, and VAS following SCR. MRI revealed graft failure in 62% (n = 13 of 21) of shoulders. Radiographic evidence of graft healing did not have any effect on SST, ASES, SANE, or VAS scores.

CONCLUSION

Given the high rate of graft failure without a significant difference in clinical outcomes, graft healing after SCR might not be an independent predictor of success. The improved clinical improvement in patients undergoing SCR may be due to other known beneficial aspects of the procedure, including partial rotator cuff repair, débridement, and biceps management.

Tendon transfers for irreparable rotator cuff tears

Symptomatic irreparable rotator cuff tears pose a challenge for shoulder surgeons. Whilst reverse polarity shoulder arthroplasty is an effective option for older symptomatic patients who have exhausted conservative management, the optimal treatment for younger patients remains controversial. In this article we outline the main tendon transfer options, including anatomical considerations, indications, contraindications, surgical technique, complications and a review of the evidence. Tendon transfers provide an alternative joint-preserving surgical option, but the evidence so far is limited, with a clear need for well-designed comparative studies to confirm their effectiveness.

Revision of a Failed Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for a Massive Rotator Cuff Tear With Arthroscopic Anatomic Bridging Reconstruction Using an Acellular Human Dermal Matrix Allograft

Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer is a nonanatomic tendon transfer that is often considered a salvage procedure for failed repairs of massive rotator cuff tears. A rupture of the transferred latissimus tendon is an uncommon complication and there is limited literature on its management, especially in the young, active population without cuff arthropathy. In this article, we present a technique of managing a failed latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for a massive rotator cuff tear with an arthroscopic, anatomic bridging reconstruction using an acellular human dermal matrix allograft.

Arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi transfer for massive rotator cuff tear: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

This systematic review provides a comprehensive description of different surgical techniques for massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) using arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi transfer (A-LDT), reporting clinical outcomes and complications.

SOURCES OF DATA

We searched the literature on Medline (PubMed), Web of Science and Scopus databases using the combined keywords 'latissimus dorsi', 'tendon', 'transfer', 'rotator cuff tears', 'shoulder' and 'arthroscopy' to identify articles published in English, Spanish, French and Italian. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was followed for the manuscript selection.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

Ten studies (five retrospective and five prospective investigations), all published between 2014 and 2018, fulfilled our inclusion criteria, dealing with 348 (55.7% male) patients, with a mean age of 61.6 years (range 31-83).

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

A-LDT is a technical demanding procedure. When compared with the open technique, it does not seem to provide significant subjective and objective clinical outcome improvements.

GROWING POINTS

A-LDT seems to yield lesser surgical complications and post-operative stiffness. Sparing the deltoid muscle belly could result in a more effective shoulder post-surgery function.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

Further comparative randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up are needed to clarify the potentially promising superiority of A-LDT.

A Systematic Summary of Systematic Reviews on the Topic of the Rotator Cuff

BACKGROUND

The number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses published on the rotator cuff (RC) has increased markedly.

PURPOSE

To quantify the number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses published on the RC and to provide a qualitative summary of the literature.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A systematic search for all systematic reviews and meta-analyses pertaining to the RC published between January 2007 and September 2017 was performed with PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Narrative reviews and non-English language articles were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 1078 articles were found, of which 196 met the inclusion criteria. Included articles were summarized and divided into 15 topics: anatomy and function, histology and genetics, diagnosis, epidemiology, athletes, nonoperative versus operative treatment, surgical repair methods, concomitant conditions and surgical procedures, RC tears after total shoulder arthroplasty, biological augmentation, postoperative rehabilitation, outcomes and complications, patient-reported outcome measures, cost-effectiveness of RC repair, and quality of randomized controlled trials.

CONCLUSION

A qualitative summary of the systematic reviews and meta-analyses published on the RC can provide surgeons with a single source of the most current literature.

Graft Utilization in the Bridging Reconstruction of Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common conditions affecting the shoulder. Because of the difficulty in managing massive rotator cuff tears and the inability of standard techniques to prevent arthropathy, surgeons have developed several novel techniques to improve outcomes and ideally alter the natural history.

PURPOSE

To systematically review the existing literature and analyze reported outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of using a bridging graft reconstruction technique to treat large to massive irreparable rotator cuff tears.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and CENTRAL was employed with the key terms "tear," "allograft," and "rotator cuff." Eligibility was determined by a 3-phase screening process according to the outlined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Data in relation to the primary and secondary outcomes were summarized. The results were synthesized according to the origin of the graft and the level of evidence.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies in total were included in this review: 2 comparative studies and 13 observational case series. Both the biceps tendon and the fascia lata autograft groups had significantly superior structural integrity rates on magnetic resonance imaging at 12-month minimum follow-up when compared with their partial primary repair counterparts (58% vs 26%, P = .036; 79% vs 58%, P < .05), respectively. Multiple noncomparative case series investigating allografts, xenografts, and synthetic materials for bridging reconstruction of large to massive rotator cuff tears demonstrated high structural healing rates (74%-90%, 73%-100%, and 60%-90%, respectively). Additionally, both comparative studies and case series demonstrated a general improvement of patients' functional outcome scores.

CONCLUSION

Using a graft for an anatomic bridging rotator cuff repair results in improved function on objective testing and may be functionally better than nonanatomic or partial repair of large to massive rotator cuff tears. Allograft or xenograft techniques appear to be favorable options, given demonstrated functional improvement, imaging-supported graft survival, and lack of harvest complication risk. More high-quality randomized controlled studies are needed to further assess this technique.

Arthroscopic-Assisted Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer for Massive, Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Technique and Short-Term Follow-Up of Patients With Pseudoparalysis

PURPOSE

To describe a modified technique for arthroscopic-assisted transfer of the latissimus dorsi tendon in a selected group of patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears and pseudoparalysis and to evaluate its short-term results.

METHODS

Fifteen patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears and pseudoparalysis treated by arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi tendon transfer were included. The mean patient age was 61.53 ± 6.24 years (range, 52-71 years). Patients were assessed with physical examination, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Score and Constant-Murley score, as well as visual analog scale score at a mean follow-up of 26.4 ± 2.58 months (range, 24-31 months).

RESULTS

At final follow-up, mean UCLA score increased to 27.47 ± 6.31 compared with the preoperative UCLA score of 6.53 ± 2.1 (P < .001). Constant-Murley score was 21 ± 7.41 and 59.73 ± 13.62 (P < .001), visual analog scale pain score was 7.47 ± 1.06 and 2.47 ± 0.91 (P < .001), active forward flexion was 58° ± 21.11° and 130° ± 30.05° (P < .001), active abduction was 51° ± 21.64° and 129.67° ± 25.45° (P < .001), and active external rotation was 13.33° ± 21.68° and 32° ± 18.03° (P < .001) preoperatively and postoperatively, respectively. Mean acromiohumeral distance was 3.13 ± 1.40 mm preoperatively, whereas it was 5.67 ± 1.67 mm postoperatively (P < .001). No significant complications requiring a revision surgery was observed during the final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified technique of arthroscopic-assisted transfer of the latissimus dorsi tendon is a feasible, minimally invasive option for the surgical treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears in a subset of patients with pseudoparalysis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears and cuff tear arthropathy: a systematic review

PURPOSE

To report the outcomes and complications of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in massive irreparable rotator cuff tears (MIRCT) and cuff tear arthropathy (CTA).

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature contained in Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, Google Scholar and Ovid databases was conducted on May 1, 2016, according to PRISMA guidelines. The key words "reverse total shoulder arthroplasty" or "reverse total shoulder prostheses" with "rotator cuff tears"; "failed rotator cuff surgery"; "massive rotator cuff tears"; "irreparable rotator cuff tears"; "cuff tear arthropathy"; "outcomes"; "complications" were matched. All articles reporting outcomes and complications of RSA for the management of MIRCT or CTA were included. The comparison between preoperative and postoperative clinical scores, as well as range of motion (ROM), was performed using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. P values lower than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Seven articles were included in our qualitative synthesis. A statistically significant improvement in all clinical scores and ROM was found comparing the preoperative value with the postoperative value. The degrees of retroversion of the humeral stem of the RSA do not influence the functional outcomes in a statistically significant fashion. There were 17.4% of complications. The most frequent was heterotopic ossification, occurring in 6.6% of patients. Revision surgery was necessary in 7.3% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

RSA restores pain-free ROM and improves function of the shoulder in patients with MIRCT or CTA. However, complications occur in a high percentage of patients. The lack of level I studies limits the real understanding of the potentials and limitations of RSA for the management of MIRCT and CTA.

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: research models

PURPOSE

the past decade has seen a considerable increase in the use of research models to study reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). Nevertheless, none of these models has been shown to completely reflect real in vivo conditions.

METHODS

we performed a systematic review of the literature matching the following key words: "reverse total shoulder arthroplasty" or "reverse total shoulder replacement" or "reverse total shoulder prosthesis" and "research models" or "biomechanical models" or "physical simulators" or "virtual simulators". The following databases were screened: Medline, Google Scholar, EMBASE, CINAHIL and Ovid. We identified and included all articles reporting research models of any kind, such as physical or virtual simulators, in which RTSA and the glenohumeral joint were reproduced.

RESULTS

computer models and cadaveric models are the most commonly used, and they were shown to be reliable in simulating in vivo conditions. Bone substitute models have been used in a few studies. Mechanical testing machines provided useful information on stability factors in RTSA.

CONCLUSION

because of the limitations of each individual model, additional research is required to develop a research model of RTSA that may reduce the limitations of those presently available, and increase the reproducibility of this technique in the clinical setting.

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for the management of fractures of the proximal humerus: a systematic review

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) represents a good solution for the management of patients with fracture of the proximal humerus with associated severe osteoporosis and RC dysfunction. A systematic review of the literature according to the PRISMA guidelines was performed matching the following keywords: "reverse total shoulder arthroplasty"; "reverse total shoulder prostheses"; "fractures"; "fracture of the proximal humerus." Medline, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Ovid database have been screened. Ten studies were considered in the qualitative analysis. No randomized prospective controlled trials have been found. A total of 256 patients received a RTSA for the management of fracture of the proximal humerus. There were 28 males (10.8 %) and 228 females (89.2 %). The mean age of patients was 75.5 ± 2.2 years (range 70-78 years). The mean follow-up period was 27.8 ± 21.8 months range (6-86 months). Overall, the mean Constant score was 56.7 ± 7.6 points (range 44-67.8 points), the mean DASH score was 39.9 ± 6 points (range 31.5-46.8 points), the ASES averaged 70.3 ± 6.8 points (range 65-78 points), and the OSS averaged 28.7 points (range 15-56 points). RTSA restores function and relieves pain in patients with proximal humeral fractures. However, no randomized controlled trials are available to support RTSA versus osteosintesis, anatomical prostheses or hemiarthroprotesis. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of RTSA in the management of fracture of the proximal humerus.

Arthroscopic-Assisted Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for the Management of Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Short-Term Results

BACKGROUND

Irreparable rotator cuff tears associated with shoulder functional impairment represent a challenge, especially in young and active patients. Latissimus dorsi muscle-tendon transfer is performed to replace the irreversibly lost contractile elements in patients with irreparable tears of the posterosuperior aspect of the rotator cuff.

METHODS

From 2008 to 2010, we enrolled twenty-seven patients (mean age, sixty years; range, forty-six to sixty-seven years) with irreparable, full-thickness rotator cuff tears involving at least two tendons who underwent arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi muscle-tendon transfer. Outcome measures included the Constant and Murley score, shoulder range of motion in external rotation, and muscle strength in forward elevation. The mean duration of follow-up was twenty-seven months (range, twenty-four to thirty-six months).

RESULTS

There was a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the mean Constant and Murley score, pain score, muscle strength in forward elevation, and range of motion in external rotation at the time of the last follow-up. There was no significant correlation between the mean preoperative range of motion, pain, and strength and the mean postoperative Constant and Murley score. There was no significant osteoarthritis progression and proximal migration of the humeral head after surgery in the time period studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi muscle-tendon transfer at short-term follow-up is an effective alternative to open surgery for the management of painful irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears refractory to conservative management.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Humeral resurfacing arthroplasty in combination with latissimus dorsi tendon transfer in patients with rotator cuff tear arthropathy and preserved subscapularis muscle function: preliminary report and short-term results

PURPOSE

Humeral resurfacing arthroplasty represents an alternative option to hemiarthroplasty for treatment of cuff tear arthropathy (CTA), with the advantages as follows: suitability for relatively young and high-demand patients because of preservation of bone stock and no loss of length, less invasive surgery, shorter operation time, no risk of periprosthetic stem fractures, and revision surgery can be undertaken easily. In the current study, resurfacing arthroplasty in combination with latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for CTA was performed. Three hypotheses: first, humeral resurfacing arthroplasty in combination with latissimus dorsi tendon transfer would improve the overall functional outcome in patients with CTA. Second, this combination would improve humeral external rotation. Third, this combination would improve abduction and shoulder elevation.

METHODS

Study was conducted as an observational case series. Fourteen patients (nine ♀ and five ♂) having CTA were included. Follow-up was carried out at the end of the 28th month for all patients. Constant Score was used for follow-up evaluation. Dorso-axillary approach was used for latissimus dorsi tendon transfer and ventral deltopectoral approach for Copeland resurfacing. Tendons were fixed to the greater tuberosity with two anchors.

RESULTS

The absolute Constant Score significantly improved from 34 preoperatively to 69 postoperatively, relative Constant Score from 42 to 91%, elevation from 95° to 138°, abduction from 88° to 147°, and external rotation from 16° to 22° (not significant).

CONCLUSION

Humeral resurfacing arthroplasty in combination with latissimus dorsi tendon transfer in patients having CTA with preserved subscapularis function has satisfactory short-term functional clinical outcome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable postero-superior cuff tears: current concepts, indications, and recent advances

Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer is a method for surgical treatment of massive irreparable posterosuperior cuff tears. It partially restores active anteflexion, external rotation, and function of the shoulder but does not significantly increase strength of the shoulder. It is contraindicated in case of pseudoparalytic shoulder; associated irreparable subscapularis tear, deltoid palsy, and in case of associated osteoarthritis, as an isolated procedure. Results are inferior when performed as a secondary procedure compared with a primary procedure. However, latissimus dorsi tendon transfer is an attractive solution to improve shoulder mobility and function of young and non osteoarthritic patients whose previous surgical treatment of massive postero-superior irreparable rotator cuff tear failed. As a primary procedure, latissimus dorsi tendon transfer competes with debridement, biceps tenotomy, and partial cuff repair. In association with reverse shoulder arthroplasty, it restores active external rotation in osteoarthritic patients with active external rotation deficit. New arthroscopic assisted techniques might improve results in the future.

New solution for massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears: the subacromial "biodegradable spacer"

Massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears are a source of pain and disability. Although most rotator cuff tears can be completely repaired, a significant number are considered massive and irreparable. Numerous operative techniques have been described for the treatment of these kinds of tears including arthroscopic debridement, biceps tenotomy, tendon transfer, grafting, and reverse arthroplasty. We describe a surgical technique using a biodegradable subacromial balloon spacer (InSpace; OrthoSpace, Kfar Saba, Israel) implanted between the humeral head and acromion that permits smooth, frictionless gliding, restoring the shoulder biomechanics. The technique is easy to perform and is less invasive than the conventional surgical techniques available, and it may potentially serve as a bridging option in patients with massive, irreparable tears who are normally candidates for reverse arthroplasty.

Scaffolds in tendon tissue engineering

Tissue engineering techniques using novel scaffold materials offer potential alternatives for managing tendon disorders. Tissue engineering strategies to improve tendon repair healing include the use of scaffolds, growth factors, cell seeding, or a combination of these approaches. Scaffolds have been the most common strategy investigated to date. Available scaffolds for tendon repair include both biological scaffolds, obtained from mammalian tissues, and synthetic scaffolds, manufactured from chemical compounds. Preliminary studies support the idea that scaffolds can provide an alternative for tendon augmentation with an enormous therapeutic potential. However, available data are lacking to allow definitive conclusion on the use of scaffolds for tendon augmentation. We review the current basic science and clinical understanding in the field of scaffolds and tissue engineering for tendon repair.