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

Robot-assisted orthopedic surgeries around shoulder joint: where we are?

This study aims to comprehensively review the current literatures about robot-assisted techniques for shoulder joint arthroplasty and also in experimental articles or case series about around shoulder soft tissue surgeries including arthroscopy, tendon transfer and brachial plexus surgeries. This article evaluates the existing literature and clinical studies to suggests future direction of robotic-assisted techniques in shoulder joint surgeries. Robotic surgery has emerged as an innovative and transformative technology in orthopedics, offering advancements in surgical precision and optimization particularly during total hip and knee arthroplasty. In shoulder joint, patients specific instrumentation with preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation system are being used. Robotic-assisted shoulder arthroplasty will be introduced. In soft tissue surgery, robot-assisted tendon transfer and around brachial plexus surgeries is being clinically tried. In additions, postoperative robot-assisted rehabilitation after may have potential advantages. With the overall development of several industries including robotic technology, robot-assisted pre-, intra- and post-operative techniques could be an essential part of the overall shoulder surgery. However, further research and larger-scale studies are needed to establish its long-term efficacy, and potential complications.

Triple Tendon Transfer of the Levator Scapulae, Rhomboid Major, and Rhomboid Minor to Reconstruct the Paralyzed Trapezius

Trapezius paralysis is a relatively uncommon condition that orthopaedic surgeons may encounter. Despite the paucity, it presents as a debilitating condition with sequelae of poor function and deconditioning. Conservative management often fails, and patients are left with limited surgical options. In the current Eden-Lange procedure, tendon transfer of the levator scapulae, rhomboid major, and rhomboid minor is performed to reconstruct the paralyzed trapezius. Although good outcomes have been found with this technique, the pull of the levator scapulae and the pull of the rhomboids are in opposition to each other, which presents a biomechanical problem for patients because this fails to re-create the natural function of the trapezius. In this article, we present a technique that is a modification of the Eden-Lange triple tendon transfer using suture bone bridges in which the levator scapulae is transferred as with the original procedure; however, the rhomboids with bony bridges are transferred to a different point along the medial scapula. Our technique therefore may better re-create the natural pull of the fibers of the upper, middle, and lower trapezius.

Robotic Transfer of the Latissimus Dorsi for Irreparable Subscapularis Tear

This Technical Note presents an endoscopic robotic anterior axillary shoulder approach using of the DaVinci (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) robot, which allows one to endoscopically access and harvest the latissimus dorsi tendon for occasions in which the patient presents an irreparable lesion of the subscapularis tendon. Harvesting the latissimus dorsi through an anterior axillary approach is specially desirable when one needs to access the anterior portion of the shoulder, as happens for subscapularis irreparable lesions.