Successful primary repair of chronic latissimus dorsi rupture: a case report and review of the literature

Simultaneous Bilateral Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Ruptures: A Case Report

CASE

We report a case of a 55-year-old man who sustained bilateral, complete latissimus dorsi tendon ruptures during a water-skiing accident. Physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the patient's diagnosis but also revealed a tear of the teres major on the left side. Staged primary repair was performed on each side, with a 6-week interval between procedures. At 1-year follow-up, the patient had an excellent clinical outcome.

CONCLUSION

Staged surgical repair of bilateral latissimus dorsi tendon ruptures can be performed, leading to excellent clinical and functional outcomes for patients.

Latissimus Dorsi Myotendinous Repair with Allograft Hamstring Tendon Graft Augmentation: A Case Report

CASE

A 30-year-old male weightlifter presented after suffering a myotendinous rupture of his latissimus dorsi from heavy weightlifting. Latissimus dorsi injuries are rare, with little to no documented technique in the literature on management, particularly of ruptures through the myotendinous junction of the anatomical muscle. This case report describes the surgical technique, approach, and postoperative management of an acutely avulsed latissimus dorsi using an allograft hamstring tendon to repair the myotendinous junction.

CONCLUSION

Allograft hamstring tendon graft augmentation is a viable repair option for patients with latissimus dorsi myotendinous rupture.

Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Rupture

Isolated injury to the latissimus dorsi is rare. Partial tendon tears may be successfully treated nonsurgically. Complete tendon ruptures require surgical repair. Tendon repair can be approached either through an anterior deltopectoral incision with a secondary small posterior axillary incision or through a long posterior axillary incision. Suture anchors can be used to repair the latissimus dorsi to the humeral attachment. Although the literature is limited to single-patient case series, most patients have returned to full athletic activity after surgical repair.