Combined Fully Arthroscopic Transfer of Latissimus Dorsi and Teres Major for Treatment of Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears

A scoping review of tendon transfer surgeries and postsurgical physical therapy interventions in individuals with massive rotator cuff tears

OBJECTIVE

To identify tendon transfer surgeries and postsurgical physical therapy interventions in people with massive rotator cuff (RC) tears.

METHODS

The literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro databases from inception to September 2022. Studies with patients diagnosed with massive RC tears undergoing tendon transfers that reported physical therapy interventions after surgery were included. Two reviewers pooled the data into ad hoc summary tables with the following information: authors, year, study characteristics (sample size, tendon transfer surgical used, approach type, preoperative risk, deficit addressed, additional surgical interventions), and physical therapy interventions (early stage, intermediate stage, and advanced stage).

RESULTS

Forty-four articles (59.0% case series) were included, with a total sample of 1213 participants. The most frequently used surgery was the isolated tendon transfer of the latissimus dorsi (49.1%). Most of the studies reported three main stages of physical therapy interventions after tendon transfer surgery: early stage (lasting 5-6 weeks), intermediate stage (started at 7-12 weeks), and advanced stage (started at 12 weeks). Physical therapy interventions included passive, active-assisted, resisted therapeutic exercise, and hydrotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence regarding physical therapy interventions after RC tendon transfer surgery is limited to the number and duration of the stages and general characteristics without specifying the type and dose of the interventions. Future research with high methodological quality should integrate more detailed rehabilitation protocols to better guide therapeutic decisions after RC transfer surgery.

Full arthroscopic vs. 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%).

Modified Arthroscopic Latissimus Dorsi Transfer at the Infraspinatus Footprint With Anterior Extracortical Fixation

Massive irreparable cuff tears may represent as many as 20% to 40% of total cases of operated rotator cuff tears and can be a challenging clinical problem. Many treatment options have been proposed for their treatment. Among these options, latissimus dorsi tendon transfer can be considered a good alternative, especially in young patients before they develop glenohumeral arthritic changes. This technique aims at rebalancing the shoulder with a functioning subscapularis muscle and restoring both active external rotation and elevation with the aid of a properly functioning deltoid muscle. The modified arthroscopic latissimus dorsi transfer at the infraspinatus footprint with anterior extracortical fixation rebalances the pair of forces acting on the shoulder, stabilizing it in the transverse plane, minimizing the risk of latissimus dorsi transferred rupture and associated complications.

Matched Cohort Study Comparing Arthroscopic-Assisted Versus Full-Arthroscopic Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer for Irreparable Massive Rotator Cuff Tears

Background

Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) is increasingly performed with arthroscopic assistance, requiring an open axillary incision, which could increase risks of infection, hematoma, and lymphoedema. Technological advancements now enable LDTT to be fully arthroscopic, but its benefits and safety have not yet been confirmed.

Purpose

To compare the clinical outcomes and complication rates of arthroscopic-assisted versus full-arthroscopic LDTT for irreparable posterosuperior massive rotator cuff tears in shoulders with no surgical antecedents.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

The study included 90 patients who had undergone LDTT over 4 consecutive years by the same surgeon and did not have prior surgery. During the first 2 study years, all procedures were arthroscopically assisted (n = 52), while during the last 2 years, all procedures were fully arthroscopic (n = 38). Procedure duration and all complications were recorded, as well as clinical scores and range of motion at minimum 24-month follow-up. To enable direct comparison between the techniques, propensity score matching was used to obtain 2 groups with equivalent age, sex, and follow-up.

Results

From the initial cohort of 52 patients who underwent arthroscopic-assisted LDTT, 8 had complications (15.4%), of which 3 (5.7%) required conversion to reverse shoulder arthroplasty and 2 (3.8%) required drainage or lavage. From the initial cohort of 38 patients who had full-arthroscopic LDTT, 5 had complications (13.2%), of which 2 (5.2%) required conversion to reverse shoulder arthroplasty but no patients (0%) required other procedures. Propensity score matching resulted in 2 groups, each comprising 31 patients, with similar outcomes in terms of clinical scores and range of motion. The procedure time was about 18 minutes shorter for full-arthroscopic LDTT, which had different complications (2 axillary nerve pareses) as compared with arthroscopic-assisted LDTT (1 hematoma and 2 infections).

Conclusion

Equivalent outcomes at minimum 24-month follow-up were found for arthroscopic-assisted and full-arthroscopic LDTT in terms of complications rates (15.4% and 13.2%, respectively), conversion to reverse shoulder arthroplasty (5.7% and 5.2%), clinical scores, and range of motion.

Biomechanical comparison of combined latissimus dorsi and teres major tendon transfer vs. latissimus dorsi tendon transfer in shoulders with irreparable anterosuperior rotator cuff tears

BACKGROUND

Irreparable anterosuperior rotator cuff tears (IASRCTs) can result in a gradual loss of active elevation and internal rotation, superior and anterior translation of the humeral head, and cuff tear arthropathy. Joint-preserving treatment options for IASRCTs in young and high-demand elderly patients remain a subject of ongoing debate. The aim of the study was to evaluate the biomechanical efficacy of the combined latissimus dorsi and teres major tendon (LDTM) transfer and compare it to an isolated latissimus dorsi (LD) transfer in a cadaveric IASRCT model.

METHODS

Eight cadaveric shoulders (mean age, 68.3 ± 5.2 years; range 58-71) were tested with a custom shoulder testing system. All specimens were tested at 0°, 30°, and 60° of glenohumeral abduction in the scapular plane under 4 conditions: (1) intact, (2) IASRCT, (3) combined LDTM transfer, and (4) isolated LD transfer. The superior and anteroinferior translation and subacromial contact pressure were measured. The effects of 3 different LD and LDTM muscle loading conditions were investigated to determine the effectiveness of the muscle transfer conditions. A linear mixed effect model was used for statistical analysis, followed by a Tukey post hoc test.

RESULTS

IASRCTs significantly increased superior translation, anteroinferior translation, and subacromial peak contact pressure. Combined LDTM transfer significantly decreased superior and anteroinferior translation compared with IASRCTs in all positions and muscle loadings. Isolated LD transfer did not significantly decrease superior (P > .115) and anteroinferior translation (P > .151) compared to IASRCT at any abduction and muscle loads except superior translation at 60° abduction and 90° of external rotation (ER) (P < .036). LDTM transfer also significantly decreased peak contact pressure from the IASRCT condition at every abduction angle (P < .046). However, isolated LD transfer significantly decreased subacromial peak contact pressure only at 30° abduction and 0° and 30° of ER with triple loading (P < .048), as well as at 60° abduction and 90° of ER (P < .003).

CONCLUSIONS

Combined LDTM transfer decreased superior translation, anteroinferior translation, and subacromial contact pressure compared with the IASRCT condition. Isolated LD transfer did not improve glenohumeral translation and subacromial contact pressure. Combined LDTM transfer may be a more reliable treatment option than isolated LD transfer in patients with an IASRCT.

Tendon transfers for massive rotator cuff tears

Massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) present a particular challenge due to high rates of retear that can range from 18 to 94%, failure of healing after repair, and potential for irreparability.

Management of MRCTs must take into consideration the patient's characteristics, clinical examamination and expectation, number and quality of muscle tendons units involved.

Conservative treatment, arthroscopic long head of the biceps tenotomy, cuff debridement, partial repair, and superior capsule reconstruction are viable solutions to treat selected patients.

The goal of tendon transfers is to achieve stable kinematic by restoring rotational strength and force coupling of the shoulder joint.

The ideal candidate is a young, motivated patient with small degenerative changes of the glenohumeral joint, a massive irreparable cuff tear, significant atrophy, fatty infiltration, and functional deficit.

Patients with posterosuperior massive tears have impaired shoulder function with external rotation weakness and eventually lag sign If the teres minor is affected.

Latissimus dorsi transfer is the most used with results lasting for long follow-up and lower Trapezius transfer is becoming a surgical option. For anterosuperior tears, there is still controversial if pectoralis major is the best option when compared to latissimus dorsi although this last has a similar vector force with the supraspinatus tendon.

Complications associated with tendon transfers include neurovascular injury, infection, and rupture of the transferred tendon.

Clinical outcomes of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer and superior capsular reconstruction for irreparable rotator cuff tears: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Functionally irreparable rotator cuff tears (FIRCTs) present an ongoing challenge to the orthopedic surgeon. The aim of this systematic review was to critically compare the outcomes of three latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDT) techniques and two superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) techniques in treatment of FIRCTs.

METHODS

A systematic review of studies evaluating the outcome of FIRCT treatment was performed via a search of four databases in April 2020. Each included study was reviewed in duplicate by two reviewers for evaluation of methodological quality. The treatments analyzed were arthroscopic LDT (aLDT), open LDT Gerber technique (oLDTG), open LDT L'Episcopo technique (oLDTL), SCR with allograft (SCR-Allo), and SCR with autograft (SCR-TFL). Demographics, range of motion, patient-reported outcome measures, radiographic acromiohumeral distance (AHD), treatment failures, and revisions were recorded.

RESULTS

Forty-six studies (1287 shoulders) met criteria for inclusion. Twenty-three studies involved open latissimus transfer, with 445 shoulders undergoing oLDTG with mean follow-up of 63.2 months and 60 patients undergoing oLDTL with mean follow-up of 51.8 months. Ten studies (n = 369, F/U 29.2mo) reported on aLDT. Seven studies (n = 253, F/U 16.9mo) concerned SCR-Allo, and six studies (n = 160, F/U 32.mo) reported on SCR-TFL. Range of motion and subjective outcome scores improved in all techniques with no differences across treatments. Both SCR methods provided greater improvement in AHD than open LDT methods (p < 0.01). The re-tear rates were lower in both oLDT groups compared to the SCR groups (p = 0.03). Clinical failure rates were higher in the SCR-Allo and oLDTG groups, while overall treatment failures were lowest in oLDTL compared to all four other groups.

CONCLUSION

SCR techniques were associated with improved short-term radiographic acromiohumeral distance, while the open LDT techniques had lower tendon re-tear and treatment failure rates. All techniques resulted in improved clinical outcomes and pain relief compared to preoperative levels with no differences across techniques.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

Systematic review of case series and cohort studies.

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.

Posterior latissimus dorsi transfer for massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears: does it work in the elderly population? A comparative study between 2 age groups (≤55 vs. ≥75 years old)

HYPOTHESIS AND/OR BACKGROUND

Management of irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears (RCTs) presents a significant challenge to shoulder surgeons. Previous studies on latissimus dorsi transfer (LDT) have demonstrated good to excellent outcomes in younger patients, but this indication is debatable in the elderly. The main objective of this study was to compare the results of LDT in a group of patients aged ≤55 years vs. one of patients aged ≥75 years. We hypothesized that LDT could give equally good results in the elderly as in the younger population.

METHODS

Between 2014 and 2017, a total of 153 patients who underwent LDT either for irreparable posterosuperior RCT or for failed prior repair were enrolled. All LDTs were performed by a single surgeon, were arthroscopically assisted, and fixed onto the humeral head with 2 anchors. A retrospective comparative clinical study was conducted. Patients with a minimum of 24 months of follow-up were divided into 2 groups: group A (≤55 years old at surgery) and group B (≥75 years old at surgery). The age-adjusted Constant-Murley score (aCMS), Subjective Score Value (SSV), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), Activities of Daily Living requiring active External Rotation (ADLER) score, visual analog scale for pain (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) score, patient's satisfaction, and rate of LD tendon rupture at last follow-up were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 66 patients met inclusion criteria. Four in 66 patients (6%) were lost to follow-up. There were 31 patients in group A and 31 patients in group B. The mean age was 52 and 77 years for the respective groups. Preoperatively, the 2 groups were comparable with respect to other characteristics like the mean number of ruptured tendons, mean preoperative Hamada stage, mean SST, and mean aCMS. The mean follow-up was 33 and 31 months, respectively. At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in the scores evaluated between groups A and B with SSV (61 vs. 66.7 points), ADLER (23 vs. 26.4 points), VAS (2.8 vs. 2.2 points), and ASES (64.4 vs. 72.4 points), respectively, except for the aCMS (75 vs. 96.3; ±001) and the SST (6.2 vs. 8.3; P < .001). Patient's satisfaction was not significantly different in both groups (81% of either satisfied or very satisfied patients in both groups). The rate of LD tendon rupture was higher in group A: 10 (33%) vs. 8 (26%).

CONCLUSION

Posterior transfer of latissimus dorsi tendon could be an effective surgical option for the treatment of massive irreparable posterosuperior cuff tears in patients ≥75 years of age.

Middle trapezius transfer for treatment of irreparable supraspinatus tendon tears- anatomical feasibility study

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anatomical feasibility of a middle trapezius transfer below the acromion for treatment of irreparable supraspinatus tendon tears.

Methods

This study involved 20 human cadaveric shoulders in 10 full-body specimens. One shoulder in each specimen was dissected and assessed for muscle and tendon extent, force vectors, and distance to the neurovascular structures. The opposite shoulder was used to evaluate the surgical feasibility of the middle trapezius transfer via limited skin incisions along with an assessment of range of motion and risk of neurovascular injury following transfer.

Results

The harvested acromial insertion of the middle trapezius tendon showed an average muscle length of 11.7 ± 3.0 cm, tendon length of 2.7 ± 0.9 cm, footprint length of 4.3 ± 0.7 cm and footprint width of 1.4 ± 0.5 cm. The average angle between the non-transferred middle trapezius transfer and the supraspinatus was 33 ± 10° in the transversal plane and 34 ± 14° in the coronal plane. The mean distance from the acromion to the neurovascular bundle was 6.3 ± 1.3 cm (minimum: 4.0 cm). During surgical simulation there was sufficient excursion of the MTT without limitation of range of motion in a retracted scapular position but not in a protracted position. No injuries to the neurovascular structures were noted.

Conclusion

Transfer of the acromial portion of the middle trapezius for replacement of an irreparable supraspinatus seems to be feasible in terms of size, vector, excursion, mobility and safety. However, some concern regarding sufficiency of transfer excursion remains as scapula protraction can increase the pathway length of the transfer.

Level of evidence

Basic Science Study/Anatomical Study

Editorial Commentary: Rotator Cuff Tear: Know When Not to Operate So You Don't Make It Worse

Shoulder rotator cuff repair results in significantly improved outcomes compared with conservative treatment, but some repairs result in retear and, worst of all, enlarged retears (i.e., tears larger after surgery than primarily). Elevated serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels and fatty infiltration of the infraspinatus are significantly related to symptomatic failed rotator cuff repair. Hypertension could also be a risk factor. In such cases, nonoperative treatment, reverse shoulder prosthesis (in older patients), or alternative joint-preserving procedures (superior capsular reconstruction, subacromial balloon spacer, multiple-tendon interposition autografts, augmentation of the long head of the biceps, or tendon transfers such as latissimus dorsi transfer and lower trapezius transfer) could be considered or are worthy of future investigation.

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

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

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.

RECENT FINDINGS

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.