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Results of Latissimus Dorsi Transfer using a Tendinous Allograft through a Single Deltopectoral Approach for Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears

Abstract

Objective

The primary aim of the present study is to evaluate the functional results of a modification to the latissimus dorsi (LD) transfer around the shoulder for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. The secondary aim is to evaluate variables that might influence the outcomes.

Surgical Technique

Through a single deltopectoral approach, the LD tendon is detached, reinforced, and elongated with a tendinous allograft, transferred around the humerus, and fixed superolaterally to the greater tuberosity and anteriorly to the subscapularis.

Methods

Retrospective functional evaluation of 16 cases. The average follow-up was 21 months (12-47). The postoperative results (at last follow-up) were compared with the preoperative ones, as well as to other pre, intra, and postoperative variables.

Results

All (but one) patients were satisfied. Average University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score increased from 11.6 (8-16) to 27.3 (17-30) (p< 0.001). Improvements of shoulder pain, function, and strength achieved statistical significance (p< 0.001). Nonetheless, normal strength was never restored. Average active range of motion improved as follows: forward elevation, from 106° (60-140°) to 145° (130-160°) (p< 0.001); external rotation from 30° (0° to 60°) to 54° (40-70°) (p< 0.001); and internal rotation from L1 (gluteus to T7) to T10 (T12-T3) (p< 0.05). No complication has occurred. Preoperative pseudoparesis was reverted in all the six cases in which it was present. None of the variables analyzed influenced the outcomes, including pseudoparesis.

Conclusions

At early follow-up, this technique is safe and effective at recovering from pseudoparesis and at improving shoulder pain, function, and strength.

Keywords
rotator cuff injuries; tendon transfer; shoulder; orthopedic procedures

Resumo

Objetivo

O objetivo primário do presente trabalho é avaliar os resultados funcionais de uma modificação na transferência do grande dorsal no ombro para o tratamento de lesões póstero-superiores irreparáveis do manguito rotador. O objetivo secundário é avaliar as variáveis que podem influenciar os resultados.

Técnica cirúrgica

Por meio de uma única abordagem deltopeitoral, o tendão do músculo grande dorsal é desinserido reforçado e alongado com um enxerto tendíneo homólogo, transferido para o úmero e fixado em posição superolateral ao tubérculo maior e anterior ao músculo subescapular.

Métodos

Avaliação funcional retrospectiva de 16 casos. O período médio de acompanhamento foi de 21 meses (12-47 meses). Os resultados pós-operatórios (no último acompanhamento) foram comparados aos pré-operatórios, bem como a outras variáveis pré, intra e pós-operatórias.

Resultados

Todos os pacientes ficaram satisfeitos (exceto um). A pontuação média da University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) aumentou de 11,6 (8-16) para 27,3 (17-30) (p< 0,001). A dor, a função e a força do ombro apresentaram melhora estatisticamente significativa (p< 0,001). A força, porém, não voltou ao valor normal. A amplitude de movimento ativa média apresentou as seguintes melhoras: elevação frontal, de 106° (60-140°) para 145° (130-160°) (p< 0,001); rotação externa, de 30° (0-60°) para 54° (40-70°) (p< 0,001); e rotação interna, de L1 (glúteo a T7) para T10 (T12-T3) (p< 0,05). Nenhuma complicação foi observada. A pseudoparesia pré-operatória foi revertida em todos os seis casos em que foi observada. Nenhuma das variáveis analisadas influenciou os desfechos, nem mesmo a pseudoparesia.

Conclusões

A curto prazo essa técnica é segura e eficaz na recuperação da pseudoparesia e na melhora da dor, da função e da força do ombro.

Palavras-chave
lesões do manguito rotador; transferência de tendão; ombro; procedimentos ortopédicos

Introduction

Chronic irreparable rotator cuff tendon tears lead to atrophy, fatty infiltration, and functional impairment of their respective muscle bellies.11 Gerber C. Latissimus dorsi transfer for the treatment of irreparable tears of the rotator cuff. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1992; (275) 152-160 When they affect the posterosuperior rotator cuff (supra and infraspinatus tendons), they mostly result in pain, reduction of shoulder strength for external rotation and forward flexion, and difficulty in positioning the hand in space.11 Gerber C. Latissimus dorsi transfer for the treatment of irreparable tears of the rotator cuff. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1992; (275) 152-160,22 El-Azab HM, Rott O, Irlenbusch U. Long-term follow-up after latissimus dorsi transfer for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2015; 97 (06) 462-469

Due to the irreparability of these tears, several surgical techniques were described to improve shoulder function. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty has been shown to provide good and predictable functional outcomes at short and medium-term follow-up.33 Mulieri P, Dunning P, Klein S, Pupello D, Frankle M. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tear without glenohumeral arthritis. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2010; 92 (15) 2544-2556 Nevertheless, two important concerns suggest that it should be reserved for older patient populations (65 years or older): (1) there is evidence showing that after 10 years postoperatively, these good functional results deteriorate and the complication rates increase significantly44 Gerber C, Canonica S, Catanzaro S, Ernstbrunner L. Longitudinal observational study of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for irreparable rotator cuff dysfunction: results after 15 years. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2018; 27 (05) 831-838; (2) reverse total shoulder arthroplasty has been widely used for a relatively short period (since 2004 in the USA55 Westermann RW, Pugely AJ, Martin CT, Gao Y, Wolf BR, Hettrich CM. Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty in the United States: A Comparison of National Volume, Patient Demographics, Complications, and Surgical Indications. Iowa Orthop J 2015; 35: 1-7) and, therefore, there is little evidence of its long-term results.

Because of these reasons, other techniques are recommended for younger and more active patients.66 Checchia C, Domos P, Grimberg J, Kany J. Current Options in Tendon Transfers for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears. JBJS Rev 2019; 7 (02) e6 The three most commonly used techniques are: (1) latissimus dorsi tendon (LDT) transfer to the greater tuberosity,11 Gerber C. Latissimus dorsi transfer for the treatment of irreparable tears of the rotator cuff. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1992; (275) 152-160,22 El-Azab HM, Rott O, Irlenbusch U. Long-term follow-up after latissimus dorsi transfer for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2015; 97 (06) 462-469,77 Castricini R, Longo UG, De Benedetto M. et al. Arthroscopic-Assisted Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for the Management of Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Short-Term Results. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2014; 96 (14) e119

8 Grimberg J, Kany J, Valenti P, Amaravathi R, Ramalingam AT. Arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable posterosuperior cuff tears. Arthroscopy 2015; 31 (04) 599-607.e1

9 Habermeyer P, Magosch P, Rudolph T, Lichtenberg S, Liem D. Transfer of the tendon of latissimus dorsi for the treatment of massive tears of the rotator cuff: a new single-incision technique. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2006; 88 (02) 208-212

10 Iannotti JP, Hennigan S, Herzog R. et al. Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Factors affecting outcome. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2006; 88 (02) 342-348

11 Irlenbusch U, Bracht M, Gansen H-K, Lorenz U, Thiel J. Latissimus dorsi transfer for irreparable rotator cuff tears: a longitudinal study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2008; 17 (04) 527-534

12 Kany J, Sekaran P, Grimberg J. et al. Risk of latissimus dorsi tendon rupture after arthroscopic transfer for posterior superior rotator cuff tear: a comparative analysis of 3 humeral head fixation techniques. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2020; 29 (02) 282-290
-1313 Moursy M, Forstner R, Koller H, Resch H, Tauber M. Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable rotator cuff tears: a modified technique to improve tendon transfer integrity. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2009; 91 (08) 1924-1931 (2) superior capsular reconstruction,1414 Mihata T, Lee TQ, Fukunishi K. et al. Return to Sports and Physical Work After Arthroscopic Superior Capsule Reconstruction Among Patients With Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears. Am J Sports Med 2018; 46 (05) 1077-1083,1515 Burkhart SS, Hartzler RU. Superior Capsular Reconstruction Reverses Profound Pseudoparalysis in Patients With Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears and Minimal or No Glenohumeral Arthritis. Arthroscopy 2019; 35 (01) 22-28 and (3) lower trapezius tendon transfer to the greater tuberosity.1616 Aibinder WR, Elhassan BT. Lower trapezius transfer with Achilles tendon augmentation: indication and clinical results. Obere Extrem 2018; 13 (04) 269-272,1717 Elhassan BT, Wagner ER, Werthel JD. Outcome of lower trapezius transfer to reconstruct massive irreparable posterior-superior rotator cuff tear. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2016; 25 (08) 1346-1353

Despite some publications regarding the outcomes1414 Mihata T, Lee TQ, Fukunishi K. et al. Return to Sports and Physical Work After Arthroscopic Superior Capsule Reconstruction Among Patients With Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears. Am J Sports Med 2018; 46 (05) 1077-1083,1515 Burkhart SS, Hartzler RU. Superior Capsular Reconstruction Reverses Profound Pseudoparalysis in Patients With Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears and Minimal or No Glenohumeral Arthritis. Arthroscopy 2019; 35 (01) 22-28 in the last few years for superior capsular reconstruction, its medium and long-term results are still unknown. Similarly, the works concerning trapezius tendon transfers outcomes are still very few and recent.1616 Aibinder WR, Elhassan BT. Lower trapezius transfer with Achilles tendon augmentation: indication and clinical results. Obere Extrem 2018; 13 (04) 269-272,1717 Elhassan BT, Wagner ER, Werthel JD. Outcome of lower trapezius transfer to reconstruct massive irreparable posterior-superior rotator cuff tear. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2016; 25 (08) 1346-1353

Conversely, LDT transfer was initially described by Gerber et al.11 Gerber C. Latissimus dorsi transfer for the treatment of irreparable tears of the rotator cuff. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1992; (275) 152-160 in 1992, and there are several publications about its results, including long-term ones.22 El-Azab HM, Rott O, Irlenbusch U. Long-term follow-up after latissimus dorsi transfer for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2015; 97 (06) 462-469,1111 Irlenbusch U, Bracht M, Gansen H-K, Lorenz U, Thiel J. Latissimus dorsi transfer for irreparable rotator cuff tears: a longitudinal study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2008; 17 (04) 527-534,1818 Gerber C, Rahm SA, Catanzaro S, Farshad M, Moor BK. Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for treatment of irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears: long-term results at a minimum follow-up of ten years. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2013; 95 (21) 1920-1926 Among them, several authors have demonstrated the possibility of obtaining good outcomes.22 El-Azab HM, Rott O, Irlenbusch U. Long-term follow-up after latissimus dorsi transfer for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2015; 97 (06) 462-469,99 Habermeyer P, Magosch P, Rudolph T, Lichtenberg S, Liem D. Transfer of the tendon of latissimus dorsi for the treatment of massive tears of the rotator cuff: a new single-incision technique. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2006; 88 (02) 208-212

10 Iannotti JP, Hennigan S, Herzog R. et al. Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Factors affecting outcome. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2006; 88 (02) 342-348
-1111 Irlenbusch U, Bracht M, Gansen H-K, Lorenz U, Thiel J. Latissimus dorsi transfer for irreparable rotator cuff tears: a longitudinal study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2008; 17 (04) 527-534,1919 Grimberg J, Kany J. Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable postero-superior cuff tears: current concepts, indications, and recent advances. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 2014; 7 (01) 22-32,2020 Warner JJ. Management of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears: the role of tendon transfer. Instr Course Lect 2001; 50: 63-71 However, up to 36% of clinical failures (as well as 38% of transfer tears) were found.2121 Kany J, Grimberg J, Amaravathi RS, Sekaran P, Scorpie D, Werthel JD. Arthroscopically-Assisted Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Insufficiency: Modes of Failure and Clinical Correlation. Arthroscopy 2018; 34 (04) 1139-1150 In addition to that, findings about the predictive factors of bad results are still scarce and controversial.22 El-Azab HM, Rott O, Irlenbusch U. Long-term follow-up after latissimus dorsi transfer for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2015; 97 (06) 462-469,44 Gerber C, Canonica S, Catanzaro S, Ernstbrunner L. Longitudinal observational study of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for irreparable rotator cuff dysfunction: results after 15 years. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2018; 27 (05) 831-838,2222 Costouros JG, Espinosa N, Schmid MR, Gerber C. Teres minor integrity predicts outcome of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable rotator cuff tears. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2007; 16 (06) 727-734,2323 Lehmann LJ, Cafaltzis K, Hünnebeck S, Moursy M. Are there any prognostic prediction parameters (PPPs) in the treatment of the massive rotator cuff tear with latissimus dorsi transfer? Latissimus dorsi transfer in massive rotator cuff tears. Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech 2013; 80 (02) 125-130

There is, however, evidence that most failures are due to one of the following reasons: (1) transfer rupture from the greater tuberosity,1212 Kany J, Sekaran P, Grimberg J. et al. Risk of latissimus dorsi tendon rupture after arthroscopic transfer for posterior superior rotator cuff tear: a comparative analysis of 3 humeral head fixation techniques. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2020; 29 (02) 282-290,1313 Moursy M, Forstner R, Koller H, Resch H, Tauber M. Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable rotator cuff tears: a modified technique to improve tendon transfer integrity. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2009; 91 (08) 1924-1931 and (2) deltoid origin disruption.2424 Sher JS, Iannotti JP, Warner JJ, Groff Y, Williams GR. Surgical treatment of postoperative deltoid origin disruption. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1997; (343) 93-98 As such, some authors have recently proposed changes to the original Gerber technique. The use of arthroscopy88 Grimberg J, Kany J, Valenti P, Amaravathi R, Ramalingam AT. Arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable posterosuperior cuff tears. Arthroscopy 2015; 31 (04) 599-607.e1,1212 Kany J, Sekaran P, Grimberg J. et al. Risk of latissimus dorsi tendon rupture after arthroscopic transfer for posterior superior rotator cuff tear: a comparative analysis of 3 humeral head fixation techniques. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2020; 29 (02) 282-290,2121 Kany J, Grimberg J, Amaravathi RS, Sekaran P, Scorpie D, Werthel JD. Arthroscopically-Assisted Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Insufficiency: Modes of Failure and Clinical Correlation. Arthroscopy 2018; 34 (04) 1139-1150 or a single approach,99 Habermeyer P, Magosch P, Rudolph T, Lichtenberg S, Liem D. Transfer of the tendon of latissimus dorsi for the treatment of massive tears of the rotator cuff: a new single-incision technique. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2006; 88 (02) 208-212 for instance, has been recommended to prevent deltoid violation. Latissimus dorsi detachment along with some bone fragments of the humeral cortex has been recommended to reinforce the healing of the transfer along the greater tuberosity.1313 Moursy M, Forstner R, Koller H, Resch H, Tauber M. Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable rotator cuff tears: a modified technique to improve tendon transfer integrity. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2009; 91 (08) 1924-1931

Nonetheless, the current literature lacks a technique that simultaneously prevents these two complications. With this in mind, we have proposed and recently published2525 Miyazaki AN, Checchia CS, de Castro Lopes W, Fonseca Filho JM, Sella GDV, da Silva LA. Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer using Tendinous Allograft for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Lesions: Surgical Technique. Rev Bras Ortop (Sao Paulo) 2019; 54 (01) 99-103 the following modifications to the surgical technique: the LDT is elongated and reinforced with a tendinous allograft, enabling its transfer to be performed through a single deltopectoral approach.

The primary objective of the present paper is to assess, through a retrospective analysis of cases, the short-term functional results of shoulders that have been submitted to this technique. The secondary objective is to analyze possible pre and intraoperative variables that may influence the outcomes.

Materials and Methods

The surgical technique used, and the rehabilitation protocol followed were the same as those of the technique previously published.2525 Miyazaki AN, Checchia CS, de Castro Lopes W, Fonseca Filho JM, Sella GDV, da Silva LA. Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer using Tendinous Allograft for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Lesions: Surgical Technique. Rev Bras Ortop (Sao Paulo) 2019; 54 (01) 99-103 It is summarized in Figs. 1 2 through 3.

Fig. 1
Illustration of a right shoulder (anterior view) depicting the anatomical structures (the pectoralis major has been tenotomized and retracted; the latissimus dorsi tendon humerus insertion has already been detached).

Fig. 2
(A) Illustration of a right shoulder (anterior view), showing the surgical step in which the tendinous allograft has already been sutured to the native latissimus dorsi tendon and a surgical tweezer has been passed posterior to the humeral shaft. (B) Intraoperative photograph of a right shoulder during this surgical step.

Fig. 3
(A) Illustration (anterior view) and (B) photograph (lateral view) showing the final aspect of surgery, where the elongated latissimus dorsi tendon transfer is sutured to the posterolateral aspect of the greater tuberosity.

Between November 2013 and August 2018, we performed the aforementioned technique2525 Miyazaki AN, Checchia CS, de Castro Lopes W, Fonseca Filho JM, Sella GDV, da Silva LA. Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer using Tendinous Allograft for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Lesions: Surgical Technique. Rev Bras Ortop (Sao Paulo) 2019; 54 (01) 99-103 in 20 patients with irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Their medical records were retrospectively evaluated for data related to epidemiological as well as pre and postoperative clinical findings.

The surgery was proposed to patients after failure of conservative treatment with physiotherapy, and only after explaining that there would be no expectation of full functional recovery.

Diagnosis was performed by MRI and confirmed intraoperatively. Fatty infiltration of subscapularis, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus were classified according to the Goutallier Classification, modified by Fuchs et al.2626 Fuchs B, Weishaupt D, Zanetti M, Hodler J, Gerber C. Fatty degeneration of the muscles of the rotator cuff: assessment by computed tomography versus magnetic resonance imaging. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 1999; 8 (06) 599-605 Likewise, preoperative radiographs were used for the Hamada classification.2727 Hamada K, Fukuda H, Mikasa M, Kobayashi Y. Roentgenographic findings in massive rotator cuff tears. A long-term observation. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1990; (254) 92-96

Irreparability of tendons was determined by intraoperative impossibility of its reduction to the greater tuberosity with the shoulder at 45° of abduction, after proper tendon release.66 Checchia C, Domos P, Grimberg J, Kany J. Current Options in Tendon Transfers for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears. JBJS Rev 2019; 7 (02) e6 In every patient in this study, no partial repair was possible due to tendon retraction.

Both pre and postoperatively active and passive range of motions (ROMs) were registered according to the method proposed by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.2828 Codsi M. Clinical evaluation of shoulder problems. In: Rockwood Jr CA, Matsen 3rd FA, Wirth MA, Lippitt SB. editors The shoulder. 4th ed.. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2009: 148-176 Pre and postoperative functions were evaluated according to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)'s score, as modified by Ellman et al.2929 Ellman H, Hanker G, Bayer M. Repair of the rotator cuff. End-result study of factors influencing reconstruction. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1986; 68 (08) 1136-1144

The inclusion criteria were adult patients with irreparable RCTs treated with this technique, and with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 1 year. The exclusion criteria were no consent to participate in the study, noncompliance to rehabilitation protocol, and previous shoulder surgery.

Out of the 20 operated patients, 16 met the inclusion criteria (three exclusions occurred due to short follow-up, and one due to noncompliance to rehabilitation protocol [suffered a stroke 3 months after surgery]). Six (37.5%) were male and 10 (62.5%) were female. The average age at surgery was 65 years (56 to 82 years). Thirteen were dominant shoulders (81%). The etiology was traumatic in 8 patients (50%) and degenerative in 8 (50%) (Table 1).

Table 1
Preoperative data

The average period from symptoms until surgery was 32 months (7 to 96 months), with a follow-up period of at least 12 months and no longer than 47 (average of 21 months) (Table 1).

Supraspinatus Goutallier classifications were: three cases as grade II, eight as grade III, and eight as grade IV (Table 1).

There were two subscapularis tears, and they were all limited to the proximal half of their respective tendons. They were all repairable tears. The proximal half of the muscle bellies of these two cases were classified as Goutallier grade IV (the distal halves were grade 0) (Table 1).

Eleven shoulders were classified as Hamada grade 1, 3 as grade 2, 1 as grade 3, and 1 as grade 4B (Table 1).

Eight of the allografts used were patellar tendons, six were fasciae latae, and one was a quadricipital tendon. All of them were frozen allografts (Table 1).

The average preoperative results were compared with the average postoperative results (Table 2). Furthermore, patients were split into subgroups for average results comparison concerning the following variables:

Table 2
Comparison between pre and postoperative results
  • Age at the time of surgery

  • Preoperative active forward flexion (six pseudoparetic [from zero to 90°] versus 10 nonpseudoparetic [higher than 90°]) (Table 3).

    Table 3
    Comparison of pseudoparetic and nonpseudoparetic patients

  • Time span between 1st symptoms and surgery (10 shorter than 26 months versus 6 longer than 35 months)

  • Type of allograft used (eight fascia latae versus seven patellar tendon).

  • Etiology of RCT (atraumatic versus traumatic).

  • Postoperative follow-up period (9 shorter than 17 months versus 7 longer 18 months).

Comparisons of continuous variables within the same group were done through paired t-tests. Comparisons of continuous variables between different groups were done through unpaired t-tests. Correlations between continuous variables were determined by calculating the Pearson correlation coefficient. Values of p ≤ 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

The average postoperative follow-up was 21 months (12-47 months) (Table 1). The passive range of motion (ROM) in all shoulders was normal, equal to the contralateral shoulder, including case 8 (Table 1), classified as Hamada 4B.

The average active forward flexion (FF) was 106° preoperatively (70-104°) and 145° postoperatively (50-160°) (p< 0.001). The average preoperative active external rotation was 30° (0-60° and postoperative average was 54° (40-70°) (p< 0.001). The active internal rotation averaged at L1 preoperatively (range gluteus to T5), and at T10 postoperatively (p= 0.017) (Table 2).

According to the UCLA's score, there were 71% (12 patients) of good results (≥ 28 points) and 29% (5 patients) of fair and poor results (≤ 27 points). The average preoperative score was 11.63 (range 8 to 16) while the postoperative average was 27.38 (range 17-30) (p< 0.001). The comparisons of pre and postoperative average results for each of the UCLA subscores were statistically significant in all cases (for all five subscores p< 0.001) (Table 2).

Comparing the results from subgroups, we found the following:

- For age at the time of surgery, time span between first symptoms and surgery, type of allograft used, etiology of RCT, and postoperative follow-up period, the comparisons of average gains (postoperative results subtracted from preoperative results) from all variables related to the active ROM and the UCLA score did not result in any statistically significant difference.

Those with preoperative pseudoparesis (average forward flexion [FF] at 75°, ranging from 70-90°) and 10 without (average FF at 124.5°, ranging from 100-140°) (p< 0.001). The comparisons of both groups' average gains (postoperative results subtracted from preoperative results) did not result in any statistically significant difference concerning external rotation, internal rotation, or the following UCLA score criteria: pain, function, strength, satisfaction, and total score. However, there was a statistically significant difference concerning the FF range improvement, which was 73.33 degrees for pseudoparetic patients and 18.5 degrees for nonpseudoparetic (p< 0.001), as well as in the UCLA's forward flexion score, which was 2.83 points for pseudoparetic patients and 0.7 for nonpseudoparetic patients (p< 0.001). As shown in the last line of Table 3, this difference in FF gain was able to promote statistically equivalent results in both groups, which was 148.33 degrees for pseudoparetic patients and 143 degrees for nonpseudoparetic patients (p= 0.41), therefore showing that pseudoparesis was not a predictor of worse outcome (Table 3).

Discussion

The main objectives of LDT transfer for treating irreparable RCTs are improvements in shoulder's active ROM, pain, function, and strength, as well as improvement in patient satisfaction. As shown in the results, all of these objectives have been met.

The improvements obtained in active external rotation, internal rotation, and FF ROM were similar to those of other published works,11 Gerber C. Latissimus dorsi transfer for the treatment of irreparable tears of the rotator cuff. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1992; (275) 152-160,22 El-Azab HM, Rott O, Irlenbusch U. Long-term follow-up after latissimus dorsi transfer for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2015; 97 (06) 462-469,99 Habermeyer P, Magosch P, Rudolph T, Lichtenberg S, Liem D. Transfer of the tendon of latissimus dorsi for the treatment of massive tears of the rotator cuff: a new single-incision technique. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2006; 88 (02) 208-212

10 Iannotti JP, Hennigan S, Herzog R. et al. Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Factors affecting outcome. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2006; 88 (02) 342-348
-1111 Irlenbusch U, Bracht M, Gansen H-K, Lorenz U, Thiel J. Latissimus dorsi transfer for irreparable rotator cuff tears: a longitudinal study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2008; 17 (04) 527-534,1919 Grimberg J, Kany J. Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable postero-superior cuff tears: current concepts, indications, and recent advances. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 2014; 7 (01) 22-32,2020 Warner JJ. Management of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears: the role of tendon transfer. Instr Course Lect 2001; 50: 63-71 with average gains of 39 degrees (p< 0.001), 3 vertebral levels (p= 0.017) and 24 degrees (p< 0.001), respectively (Table 2).

This technique seems effective in improving pain relief, considering the average gain of 4.53 points (p< 0.001) to the UCLA score criterion for pain (which ranges from 0-10), besides also being efficient to improve shoulder function, as we can see with the average gain of 3.71 points (p< 0.001) to the UCLA score criterion for function (which ranges from 0-10). Both findings were similar to those of most other works,11 Gerber C. Latissimus dorsi transfer for the treatment of irreparable tears of the rotator cuff. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1992; (275) 152-160,22 El-Azab HM, Rott O, Irlenbusch U. Long-term follow-up after latissimus dorsi transfer for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2015; 97 (06) 462-469,99 Habermeyer P, Magosch P, Rudolph T, Lichtenberg S, Liem D. Transfer of the tendon of latissimus dorsi for the treatment of massive tears of the rotator cuff: a new single-incision technique. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2006; 88 (02) 208-212

10 Iannotti JP, Hennigan S, Herzog R. et al. Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Factors affecting outcome. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2006; 88 (02) 342-348
-1111 Irlenbusch U, Bracht M, Gansen H-K, Lorenz U, Thiel J. Latissimus dorsi transfer for irreparable rotator cuff tears: a longitudinal study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2008; 17 (04) 527-534,1919 Grimberg J, Kany J. Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable postero-superior cuff tears: current concepts, indications, and recent advances. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 2014; 7 (01) 22-32,2020 Warner JJ. Management of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears: the role of tendon transfer. Instr Course Lect 2001; 50: 63-71 such as Grimberg et al.,88 Grimberg J, Kany J, Valenti P, Amaravathi R, Ramalingam AT. Arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable posterosuperior cuff tears. Arthroscopy 2015; 31 (04) 599-607.e1 which reported an average gain of 28.4 points (from 37.0-65.4) to the overall Constant score, as well as an average gain of 10.9 points (from 1.7 preop to 12.6 postop) to pain as a Constant subscore.

The improvements to FF strength occurred in all patients, except in the first two cases, in whom strength remained the same. However, in no case did it return to normal (grade 5), remaining at grade 3 in 6 patients, and at degree 4 in 5 patients. One concern is that the elongation of the transferred tendon could harm the shoulder's FF strength. However, analysis of the literature shows that the strength recovery was very similar to that of other series (no graft used),22 El-Azab HM, Rott O, Irlenbusch U. Long-term follow-up after latissimus dorsi transfer for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2015; 97 (06) 462-469,88 Grimberg J, Kany J, Valenti P, Amaravathi R, Ramalingam AT. Arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable posterosuperior cuff tears. Arthroscopy 2015; 31 (04) 599-607.e1

9 Habermeyer P, Magosch P, Rudolph T, Lichtenberg S, Liem D. Transfer of the tendon of latissimus dorsi for the treatment of massive tears of the rotator cuff: a new single-incision technique. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2006; 88 (02) 208-212
-1010 Iannotti JP, Hennigan S, Herzog R. et al. Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Factors affecting outcome. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2006; 88 (02) 342-348,1111 Irlenbusch U, Bracht M, Gansen H-K, Lorenz U, Thiel J. Latissimus dorsi transfer for irreparable rotator cuff tears: a longitudinal study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2008; 17 (04) 527-534,1919 Grimberg J, Kany J. Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable postero-superior cuff tears: current concepts, indications, and recent advances. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 2014; 7 (01) 22-32,3030 Gerber C, Maquieira G, Espinosa N. Latissimus dorsi transfer for the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2006; 88 (01) 113-120 such as Gerber et al.,3030 Gerber C, Maquieira G, Espinosa N. Latissimus dorsi transfer for the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2006; 88 (01) 113-120 which obtained mean strength improvement from 0.9 kg preoperatively to 1.8 kg postoperatively (p< 0.0001) in the 65 shoulders that were evaluated.

Surprisingly, and contrary to the findings of Iannotti et al.1010 Iannotti JP, Hennigan S, Herzog R. et al. Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Factors affecting outcome. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2006; 88 (02) 342-348 (conventional technique), pseudoparesis was resolved in all cases. We believe this occurred because the tendon grafts used were thicker than the native LDT and, therefore, could also have worked as a subacromial spacer. Thus, it would be easier to maintain stability to the shoulder center of rotation, favoring the deltoid's FF function.

According to the UCLA score, we have obtained 71% of good results and 29% of fair and poor results. Such findings are similar to those in the literature, where around 30% of unsatisfactory results are found, such as the findings of Kany et al.2121 Kany J, Grimberg J, Amaravathi RS, Sekaran P, Scorpie D, Werthel JD. Arthroscopically-Assisted Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Insufficiency: Modes of Failure and Clinical Correlation. Arthroscopy 2018; 34 (04) 1139-1150 Despite these unsatisfactory results, we believe these patients will have fewer complications at medium and long terms, since this technique is possibly less prone to new ruptures, as Kany et al.1212 Kany J, Sekaran P, Grimberg J. et al. Risk of latissimus dorsi tendon rupture after arthroscopic transfer for posterior superior rotator cuff tear: a comparative analysis of 3 humeral head fixation techniques. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2020; 29 (02) 282-290 have shown from 15 to 46% of ruptures in arthroscopic LDTTs at 3 months of postoperative follow-up.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is arguably the last surgical resource after failure of a tendon transfer. However, for an RSA to work, a functioning deltoid is required, because it is the last motor unit available capable of generating upward force vectors that would result in FF.22 El-Azab HM, Rott O, Irlenbusch U. Long-term follow-up after latissimus dorsi transfer for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2015; 97 (06) 462-469 Thus, we can argue that it is extremely wise to avoid any deltoid surgical violation, as it is performed in superior approaches. Therefore, only three deltoid-sparing surgical approaches are available: a single posterior approach; an axillary approach followed by an arthroscopic one; and a single anterior approach.

The major shortcoming of a single posterior approach is that it precludes treatment of lesions to the long head of the biceps and to the subscapularis tendon.

Similarly, an axillary approach does not allow an eventual primary repair of the RCT, which should always be attempted before performing any tendon transfer.

The advantages of a single deltopectoral approach are that it is a customary approach; it allows primary repair of the RCT when possible; and that long head of the biceps and subscapularis lesions can be easily treated. Its only disadvantage is the impossibility of dissecting the latissimus dorsi muscle belly, therefore preventing it from being pulled to the upper portion of the humeral head. However, given that this tendon is extremely thin and friable, it is recommended that its insertion to the greater tuberosity be somehow reinforced, since its postoperative rupture, which usually occurs in the first 2 years of postoperative follow-up, is one of the few statistically proven predictors of poor functional results.22 El-Azab HM, Rott O, Irlenbusch U. Long-term follow-up after latissimus dorsi transfer for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2015; 97 (06) 462-469 Therefore, we believe that the use of a tendon graft may be able to simultaneously solve both problems: it allows the use of a single (deltoid-sparing) approach and it reinforces the insertion of the tendon to the greater tuberosity.

There are concerns about three possible complications: (1) fragility between the graft and the native tendon; (2) the allograft's ability to heal to the bone; and (3) the possibility of the LDT being too elongated, overly reducing the resulting final strength on the humerus. Although the present work hasn't directly evaluated these three possible complications, they did not seem to occur, since all patients have shown improvements in the UCLA strength score, as previously discussed.

As a secondary objective, we have assessed whether some preoperative (age, pseudoparesis, symptom duration, and etiology of RCT), intraoperative (the type of allograft used), and postoperative (“follow-up period”) variables have influenced the results. Despite the limited number of patients, the results have shown that none of them have significantly influenced the outcomes.

It is worth pointing out cases 6 and 7, which had complete tears of the proximal subscapularis half. Both had their tears repaired (at the same time of the transfer), and both had noticeable improvement of shoulder motion and UCLA score (Tables 1 and 2). Likewise, cases 7 and 8 had advanced joint degeneration (Hamada 3 and 4B, respectively), and they also were able to recover shoulder ROM and achieve noticeable improvement of UCLA score (Tables 1 and 2).

Lastly, it is worth highlighting the flaws of this work: as a retrospective analysis of cases, there was no control group and, therefore, all of the comparisons had to be done with preoperative findings or findings from other published works that have used different methodologies. Also, even though the sample loss was of only 20% (or 4 cases), the total number of evaluated cases was small, compromising the power of statistical analysis.

Conclusion

At short and medium follow-ups, the studied technique was effective as a treatment for irreparable posterosuperior RCTs, with 71% of satisfactory results. None of the evaluated variables, including preoperative pseudoparesis, has influenced the final outcomes.

  • Financial Support
    There was no financial support from public, commercial, or non-profit sources.
  • Study developed at Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Group from the Departament of Orthopedics and Traumatology of Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    02 Sept 2022
  • Date of issue
    Jul-Aug 2022

History

  • Received
    07 Aug 2020
  • Accepted
    02 Oct 2020
  • Published
    31 Mar 2021
Sociedade Brasileira de Ortopedia e Traumatologia Al. Lorena, 427 14º andar, 01424-000 São Paulo - SP - Brasil, Tel.: 55 11 2137-5400 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
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