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

  • Shoulder: Modern Techniques in Reconstruction (A Babhulkar, Section editor)
  • Published:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

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.

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Jean Grimberg declares that he has no conflict of interest. Jean Kany declares that he has no conflict of interest.

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  1. IRCOS (Institut de Recherche en Chirurgie Osseuse et Sportive), 6 avenue Alphonse XIII, 75016, Paris, France

    Jean Grimberg

  2. Clinique de l’Union, Boulevard de Ratalens, 31240, Saint Jean, France

    Jean Kany

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Correspondence to Jean Grimberg.

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Grimberg, J., Kany, J. Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable postero-superior cuff tears: current concepts, indications, and recent advances. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 7, 22–32 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-013-9196-5

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