arthroscopically assisted posterosuperior latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for shoulders with failed and irreparable rotator cuff repair: matched case-control study

PURPOSE

To compare clinical outcomes and complication rates of full arthroscopic latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) vs. arthroscopically assisted LDTT, for the treatment of irreparable posterosuperior massive rotator cuff tears (mRCTs) in shoulders that had failed rotator cuff repair (RCR).

METHODS

We evaluated a continuous series of 191 patients who underwent LDTT over 4 consecutive years. A total of 107 patients did not have previous shoulder surgery, leaving 84 patients who had prior surgical procedures. All procedures performed over the first 2 years were arthroscopically assisted (n = 48), whereas all procedures performed over the last 2 years were full arthroscopic (n = 36). We noted all complications, as well as clinical scores and range of motion at ≥24 months. To enable direct comparison between the 2 techniques, propensity score matching was used to obtain 2 groups with equivalent age, sex, and follow-up.

RESULTS

Compared with the 48 patients who underwent arthroscopically assisted LDTT, the 36 patients who underwent full arthroscopic LDTT had comparable complications (13% vs. 11%) and conversions to RSA (8.3% vs. 5.6%). Propensity score matching resulted in 2 groups, each comprising 31 patients, which had similar outcomes in terms of clinical scores (except mobility component of Constant score, which was better following fully arthroscopic LDTT; P = .037) and range of motion at a minimum follow-up of 2 years.

CONCLUSION

At a minimum follow-up of 24 months, for the treatment of irreparable posterosuperior mRCTs in shoulders that had surgical antecedents, full arthroscopic LDTT had significantly better mobility component of the Constant score than arthroscopically assisted LDTT, although there were no significant differences in the other clinical or functional outcomes. Arthroscopically assisted LDTT and full arthroscopic LDTT had comparable rates of complications (8.3% vs. 13%) and conversion to RSA (5.6% vs. 8.3%).

Mid- to long-term outcomes of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This study aims to analyze the mid-to long-term results of the latissimus dorsi tendon for the treatment of massive posterosuperior irreparable rotator cuff tears as reported in high-quality publications and to determine its efficacy and safety.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases were searched until December 2022 to identify studies with a minimum 4 year follow-up. Clinical and radiographic outcomes, complications, and revision surgery data were collected. The publications included were analyzed quantitatively using the DerSimonian Laird random-effects model to estimate the change in outcomes from the preoperative to the postoperative condition. The proportion of complications and revisions were pooled using the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation.

RESULTS

Of the 618 publications identified through database search, 11 articles were considered eligible. A total of 421 patients (432 shoulders) were included in this analysis. Their mean age was 59.5 ± 4 years. Of these, 277 patients had mid-term follow-up (4-9 years), and 144 had long-term follow-up (more than 9 years). Postoperative improvements were considered significant for the following outcome parameters: Constant-Murley Score (0-100 scale), with a mean difference (MD) = 28 points (95% confidence interval [CI] 21, 36; I2 = 89%; P < .001); visual analog scale, with a standardized MD = 2.5 (95% CI 1.7, 3.3; P < .001; I2 = 89%; P < .001); forward flexion, with a MD = 43° (95% CI 21°, 65°; I2 = 95% P < .001); abduction, with a MD = 38° (95% CI 20°, 56°; I2 = 85%; P < .01), and external rotation, with a MD = 8° (95% CI 1°, 16°; I2 = 87%; P = .005). The overall reported mean complication rate was 13% (95% CI 9%, 19%; I2 = 0%), while the reported mean revision rate was 6% (95% CI: 3%, 9%; I2 = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our pooled estimated results seem to indicate that latissimus dorsi tendon transfer significantly improves patient-reported outcomes, pain relief, range of motion, and strength, with modest rates of complications and revision surgery at mid-to long-term follow-up. In well-selected patients, latissimus dorsi tendon transfer may provide favorable outcomes for irreparable posterosuperior cuff tears.

Better functional outcomes and a lower infection rate can be expected after superior capsular reconstruction in comparison with latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for massive, irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears, if left untreated, may result in cuff tear arthropathy, which causes shoulder disability and pain. The primary outcome of this systematic review was to evaluate differences in functional outcomes between the arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) and latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) for the treatment of massive, irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears without arthritis. The secondary outcome was to compare complication and reoperation rates between the 2 surgical procedures.

METHODS

The PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Central databases were searched using keywords, and 20 studies were included in this review. Data extracted for quantitative analysis included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, the Constant-Murley score, the subjective shoulder value, the range of motion, the visual analog scale for pain, numbers and types of complications, and reoperation rate. The preoperative fatty degeneration of the muscles and the preoperative and follow-up acromiohumeral distance and glenohumeral osteoarthritis according to the Hamada grading system were also reported.

RESULTS

A total of 1112 patients were identified, among whom 407 and 399 underwent SCR and LDTT, respectively. The SCR group showed a higher mean age at the time of operation (64.5 ± 7.8 vs. 62.1 ± 8.9 years; P < .001). The SCR group showed a lower rate of previous surgical procedures on the shoulder (35 out of 407 vs. 111 out of 399; P < .001) and a shorter mean follow-up (30.4 ± 7.5 vs. 36.3 ± 10.3 months; P < .001). Patients who underwent SCR reported significantly better functionality and residual pain as measured by the Constant-Murley score (75.5 ± 11.2 vs. 65.6 ± 22.8, P < .001), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (84.3 ± 13 vs. 67.7 ± 23, P < .001), the subjective shoulder value (79.4 ± 13 vs. 64.4 ± 23, P < .001), and the visual analog scale (1.4 ± 2 vs. 2.8 ± 3, P < .001) than patients who underwent LDTT. A greater acromiohumeral distance (5.8 ± 2.5 vs. 7.6 ± 2.7, P < .001) was found in the SCR group. The SCR group showed a significantly lower infection rate (0.2% vs. 2.8%., P = .003) and a higher graft failure rate (12.3% vs. 6.8%, P = .012). No differences in terms of reoperation for graft failure (1% vs. 2.3% for SCR and LDTT, respectively; P = .172) or for conversion to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (1.7% vs. 2% for SCR and LDTT, respectively; P = .800) were found.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing SCR report better functional outcomes and greater acromiohumeral distance than those undergoing LDTT. The LDTT group shows a significantly higher infection rate, while the SCR group shows a significantly higher graft failure rate, but there are no differences in terms of reoperation between the 2 surgical procedures.

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty with Concurrent Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) has emerged as an effective treatment option for patients with rotator cuff arthropathy resulting from irreparable rotator cuff tears. However, patients with combined loss of abduction and external rotation may still experience functional deficits after rTSA. One option to address this has been the latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT), or modified L'Episcopo procedure. The purpose of this review is to describe the role of LDTT with rTSA and to critically evaluate the evidence on whether a supplemental LDTT ultimately improves patient function.

RECENT FINDINGS

Patients with an intact rotator cuff demonstrated a significant increase in active external rotation following rTSA compared to those with a deficient rotator cuff following rTSA. Compared to their pre-operative baseline assessments, patients who undergo rTSA with LDTT report significant improvements in active external rotation. However, a randomized trial comparing rTSA patients with and without LDTT failed to demonstrate a significant difference in active external rotation or patient-reported outcomes between groups. Observational studies have shown that patients experience significant improvements in active range of motion and various patient-reported outcome measures following rTSA with latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. When directly comparing rTSA with LDTT to rTSA alone, the current literature fails to demonstrate a statistically significant difference in active external rotation or patient-reported outcomes at short-term follow-up. Further randomized controlled trials are required to fully understand the potential benefits of added tendon transfer in the rTSA patient population.

3D motion analysis of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer in patients with posterosuperior rotator cuff tears: Analysis of proprioception and the ability to perform ADLS

BACKGROUND

Massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears may result in a loss of external rotation. Most of these patients lose their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), especially where external rotation and abduction are needed. Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) is a method to restore abduction and external rotation in patients with posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. There are no objective data concerning whether LDTT can restore range of motion (ROM), especially in performing ADLs and if proprioception changes after LDTT.

METHODS

We examined 12 patients 4.2 years (1-9 years) after LDTT with simultaneous 3D motion analysis; the opposite, nonaffected side was assessed as control. The measurement protocol included maximum values in flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, internal/external rotation in 0° and in 90° flexion and in 90° abduction. To evaluate competences, we measured seven activities of daily life and examined the proprioceptive ability using an active angle reproduction test.

RESULTS

In total, 4.2 years (1-9 years) after LDTT there was no significant difference in flexion/extension and abduction/adduction compared to the healthy side. Maximum external rotation was significantly reduced compared to the opposite side. Eleven patients (85%) were able to perform all ADL. Proprioceptive ability did not differ from the healthy side.

CONCLUSION

LDTT cannot fully restore a patient's ability for external rotation after a posterosuperior rotator cuff tear. However, 4.2 years after surgery, 85% of the patients are able to perform all ADLs. Proprioceptive ability is not affected by the transfer.

Mid-term Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer in Massive Rotator Cuff Tears

Background

This retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate mid-term clinical and radiological outcomes of lattisimus dorsi (LD) tendon transfer in patients with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears (MRCT). We hypothesize that LD tendon transfer would provide safe and satisfactory clinical outcomes at mid-term follow-up.

Methods

From November 2008 to December 2016, 23 patients (57.5 ± 4.4 years; 20 male, 3 female) who underwent LD tendon transfer for massive tears, were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were irreparable MRCT. Exclusion criteria included full thickness subscapularis tear, rotator cuff arthropathy, anterosuperior rotator cuff tear, and osteoarthritis. Mean follow-up period was 4.7 ± 4.0 years (range, 2–12 years). Clinical assessment (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES], University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA], Simple Shoulder Test [SST]) and radiographic assessment (osteoarthritis [OA], acromiohumeral distance [AHI]) were evaluated.

Results

ASES, UCLA and SST scores, and range of motion (ROM), except internal rotation, improved significantly at the last follow-up (p<0.05). Also, AHI was significantly improved at the last follow-up, from 6.6 mm to 8.2 mm (p=0.008). At the final follow-up, the radiologic stages of the glenohumeral osteoarthritis were determined as stage 1 in 9 patients, stage 2 in 10 patients, stage 3 in 2 patients, and stage 4 in 2 patients. Complications were observed in 21.7% cases: 3 re-tears and 2 infections were noted in our study.

Conclusions

LD tendon transfer for irreparable MRCT provides satisfactory clinical outcomes at mid-term follow-up. Mild degenerative osteoarthritis (stage 1, 2) of the shoulder joint are common at the mid-term follow-up. Also, complications such as tear, infection should be considered.

Three-dimensional analysis of the shoulder motion in patients with massive irreparable cuff tears after latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDT)

INTRODUCTION

Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDT) is a recent method for surgical treatment of massive, irreparable posterosuperior cuff tears (MIPCT). So far, there are no studies on the quantitative motion analysis of the shoulder and latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle activation after LDT. The changes in shoulder movements after LDT can be objectively assessed by the 3-D motion analysis. These changes may not be due to an increased activity of the LD muscle as external rotator.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The shoulder kinematics of nine patients with MIPCT were recorded through a 3-D motion analysis system, before LTD (T0), and after 3 (T1) and 6 (T2) months post-LDT. Maximal shoulder flexion-extension, abduction-adduction, and horizontal abduction-adduction, and the internal and external circumduction of the shoulder joint were measured during upright standing posture. Surface EMG activity of the LD muscle was recorded during both internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) tasks in three different postures.

RESULTS

A significant increase of shoulder movements was observed at T2 compared with T0 for almost all motor tasks. A significant effect of LDT was also found on LD-IR/ER ratio in posture 1 at T2 compared with T0 and T1. No significant effects were found for the LD-IR/ER ratio in the other postures.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that LDT is effective in shoulder motion recovery. Such improvement is not associated with a change in function of the LD muscle, which may be induced by a depression of the humeral head into the glenoid cavity instead.

Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Restoring Joint Kinematics by Tendon Transfers

Background:

Tendon transfers can be a surgical treatment option in managing younger, active patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the use of tendon transfers to treat massive irreparable rotator cuff tears and to summarize clinical outcomes.

Methods:

A selective literature search was performed and personal surgical experiences are reported.

Results:

Latissimus dorsi transfers have been used for many years in the management of posterosuperior rotator cuff tears with good reported clinical outcomes. It can be transferred without or with the teres major (L’Episcopo technique). Many surgical techniques have been described for latissimus dorsi transfer including single incision, double incision, and arthroscopically assisted transfer. Transfer of the pectoralis major tendon is the most common tendon transfer procedure performed for anterosuperior rotator cuff deficiencies. Several surgical techniques have been described, however transfer of the pectoralis major beneath the coracoid process has been found to most closely replicate the force vector that is normally provided by the intact subscapularis.

Conclusion:

Tendon transfers can be used successfully in the management of younger patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears and minimal glenohumeral arthritis. Improvements in clinical outcomes scores and range of motion have been demonstrated. This can delay arthroplasty, which is of particular importance for younger patients with high functional demands.