Latissimus Dorsi Transfer to Irreparable Anterosuperior Lesions to the Rotator Cuff: Description of Surgical Technique^*

Abstract

Lesions to the shoulder rotator cuff may have several configurations, and are divided and classified according to the size of the lesion, the tendon involved, its combinations and whether there is possibility of repair. Irreparable subscapular lesions, as well as irreparable anterosuperior lesions, may generate shoulder dysfunction due to loss of humeral head depressants, causing pain and functional limitation. Myotendinous transfers are among the therapeutic alternatives, and the most studied and widespread in recent decades is the transfer of the pectoralis major to the minor tuberosity. However, some anatomical studies suggest that the latissimus dorsi is a more appropriate alternative for the treatment of these lesions because it presents force vectors more similar to those of the subscapularis, besides presenting promising results in the clinical evaluations with short follow-up. The present work aims to describe the surgical technique developed for transfer of the latissimus dorsi in cases of irreparable subscapular and anterossuperior lesions to the rotator cuff.

Keywords
shoulder/surgery; rotator cuff; tendon transfer; tendon injuries