Abstract
Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has demonstrated success in restoring active elevation for patients with rotator cuff dysfunction (with or without arthritis). However, recovery of active external rotation after reverse TSA has demonstrated variable success. Transfer of the latissimus dorsi has shown promise in restoring active external rotation in those patients with profound external rotation deficits.
The combined latissimus transfer and reverse TSA procedure is intra-operatively challenging and fraught with post-operative complications. Technical details and precise indications are necessary to produce the best chance of success with this operation.
