The aim of this study is to assess the clinical outcome following latissiumus dorsi transfer for massive irreparable tears of the rotator cuff. Between 1996 and 2002 seven patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears were treated by transfer of the latissimus dorsi by a single surgeon. Their mean age at time of surgery was 65 years. Five patients were female, five were primary procedures and two were revisions. Patients were assessed with MRI pre-operatively; the decision to plan a transfer was made clinically. At time of operation all were found to massive irreparable tears of the cuff including Supraspinatus and Infraspinatus, Subscapularis was intact in all cases. Five of the transfers were implanted to a bone trough, one was sutured to a tendon stump, and one was augmented with a Teflon patch. Mean time to follow up was 21 months. All patients were assessed by the lead author or by his Specialist Registrar. Six patients had a good result, one had a poor result this was a revision procedure resulting in deltoid origin detachment. Functional outcome significantly improved post-transfer. Constant score 62.1% vs 36.1% (p<
0.0005, Paired t-test), Pain was also significantly reduced post-transfer, both when active 7.1 vs. 2.2 p (<
0.005) and when at rest 3.7 vs. 1.2 (p<
0.005). Conclusion: These results are compatible with those published for
Purpose of the study:
Introduction.
Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) was designed to treat the cuff-deficient shoulder with arthritis and irreparable rotator cuff tears of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons. The results of RTSA in this patient population have been very good and reliable in the majority of cases. However, it has also been reported that patients whose rotator cuff tear involves the supraspinatus, infraspinatus and teres minor and who demonstrate a ‘horn-blower's sign’ do very poorly if a muscle transfer is not performed to improve external rotation in these shoulders in abduction. The loss of the teres minor in these patients results in grave difficulty for the patient attempting to perform their activities of daily living even if they can obtain reasonable good forward flexion. The muscle transfer that is most commonly used for these select patients is a latissmus dorsi tendon transfer in conjunction with RTSA. The purpose of this talk is to review the pathology of this problem and review the technique for its surgical treatment.
Massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears occur in about 15% of patients with ruptures of the rotator cuff tendons. There is no consistently agreed management for irreparable rotator cuff tears, however, latissimus dorsi tendon transfer is a recognised technique. We aimed to review the functional outcome of patients undergoing this operation at a single tertiary referral centre. Fourteen latissimus dorsi transfer procedures in thirteen patients from May 2007 to May 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age of patients undergoing the procedure was fifty nine years. All patients were confirmed to have massive, irreparable (>5cm) rotator cuff tears as determined by MRI or ultrasound. Modified Constant scores (assessing shoulder pain, functional activity and movement) determined pre-operatively and post latissmus dorsi transfer were compared. The mean duration of follow up was 12 months. The mean Modified Constant Score (maximum = 75) improved from 23 points pre-operaively to 52 points post latissimus dorsi transfer (p < 0.05). All patients had improvement in shoulder pain following the operation. There was a trend for younger patients to have greater improvement in functional activity and shoulder movement. From our series, latissimus dorsi transfer is effective at improving functional outcomes in patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears, especially in younger age groups.
The goal of this retrospective study was to evaluate the result of this technique proposed as initial treatment (group 1: 17 cases) or after a failure of repairing cuff (group 2: 7 cases).
Although reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) may restore shoulder abduction and forward flexion in the setting of a massive rotator cuff tear, the ability to use the extremity for ADL’s is often limited by external rotation weakness. Even though the reverse TSA restores abduction, the patient may be unable to bring the hand to his or her mouth because with the elbow flexed the weight of the hand causes the shoulder to fall into internal rotation. Concomitant transfer of latissimus dorsi (LDT) to the posterior greater tuberosity is a solution advocated by some surgeons. It is hypothesized that this inferiorly-directed force partially counteracts the superiorly-directed force of the deltoid, resulting in decreased shear forces on the glenoid baseplate-bone interface. Three cadaver shoulder specimens were dissected and implanted with the reverse TSA. The rotator cuff was completely released to simulate a massive rotator cuff tear. Each shoulder was mounted in a shoulder controller that simulates neuromuscular control and replicates in vivo glenohumeral kinematics. The controller utilizes an optical, three dimensional tracking system. The humerus was weighted to simulate the full mass of the upper extremity and stepper motors were connected to the insertion points of the anterior, middle and posterior divisions of the deltoid by Spectra® cord. Simulated active abduction in the scapular plane was performed using position closed-loop feedback control. The joint reaction force at the glenosphere was measured at 5° intervals from 30°–70°. A fourth stepper motor was then connected to the greater tuberosity with 2.73kg applied to simulate a LDT and the test was repeated. Five trials were performed under each condition. Four-factor ANOVA statistical analysis with Bonferroni correction and α = 0.05 was performed. After simulated LDT the JRF demonstrated an increase in magnitude at abduction angles between 30° and 65° inclusive (p=0.033). The superiorly-directed shear force was significantly decreased as a result of the LDT between 45° and 70° (p<
0.0001). The compressive component of the JRF was increased for all abduction angles (p=0.025). The force required to achieve abduction increased for the middle deltoid (p=0.035) and anterior deltoid (p=0.036) for the simulated LDT condition at all abduction angles. The posterior deltoid force required for abduction decreased at all abduction angles (p=0.031). In this model of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty concomitant transfer of latissimus dorsi decreased the superiorly-directed shear force. In addition to providing improved external rotation strength, these lower shear forces may have a protective effect on baseplate fixation by reducing the risk of failure in shear. This may provide additional justification for the transfer. Although superior shear was decreased, total JRF was increased as a result of an increase in the compressive component. Further investigation is needed to determine the potential gain in joint stability and whether the glenoid bone can support such elevated compressive forces. Additionally, the force required in the anterior and middle deltoid was increased after the LDT. This indicates the need for sufficient deltoid strength and rehabilitation.
The purpose of this study was to assess shoulder function after breast reconstruction surgery using latissimus dorsi flap. Sixty-eight patients (72 breasts) had this operation. Average follow up was 38 months (range 24 to 54 months). DASH and Constant-Murley were used for clinical assessment. Twenty-nine shoulders found to have a normal function; whereas, 11 shoulders had mild disability, 10 shoulders had moderate disability and 8 shoulders had severe disability. However, only 6 patients reported being unsatisfied with their outcome. Furthermore, all these 6 patients were not satisfied with their breast reconstruction outcome. This study confirms that following breast reconstruction surgery using latissimus dorsi flap, there is a considerable deterioration of shoulder function of varying degrees. Nevertheless, shoulder function is not the main concern of this group of patients.
The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical effects of the trapezius transfer and the latissimus dorsi transfer in a cadaveric model of a massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tear. Eight cadaveric shoulders were tested at 0°, 30°, and 60° of abduction in the scapular plane with anatomically based muscle loading. Humeral rotational range of motion and the amount of humeral rotation due to muscle loading were measured. Glenohumeral kinematics and joint reaction forces were measured throughout the range of motion. After testing in the intact condition, the supraspinatus and infraspinatus were resected, simulating a massive rotator cuff tear. The lower trapezius transfer was then performed. Three muscle loading conditions for the trapezius (12N, 24N, 36N) were applied to simulate a lengthened graph as a result of excessive creep, a properly tensioned graph exerting a force proportional to the cross-sectional area of the inferior trapezius, and an over-constrained graph respectively. Next the latissimus dorsi transfer was performed and tested with one muscle loading condition 24N. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis.Background:
Methods:
In late cases of brachial plexus palsy or when nerve reconstruction was not that beneficial, pedicled or free neurotized muscles i.e. latissimus dorsi are used to restore or enhance important functions i.e. elbow flexion or extention. During the last three years, 43 patients with brachial plexus injuries were operated in our Clinic to reconstract the paralysed extremity. In nine of them, the ipsilateral latissimus dorsi was transferred as pedicled neurotized muscle to restore elbow flexion (seven patients) and elbow extension (two patients). Two patients had free latissimus dorsi transfer, which was neurotized directly via three intercostals. The neurovascular pedicle was dissected proximally up to the subclavian vessels and posterior cord, and the muscle was raised from its origin to its insertion and tailored to simulate the shape of biceps or triceps. Then it was passed via a subcutaneous tunnel on the anterior or posterior arm. The reattachment was done with Mitek anchors on the clavicle and the radial tuberosity (elbow flexion) or on the posterior edge of the acromion and the olecranon (elbow extension). The arm was immobilized in a prefabricated splint, which was removed after six to eight weeks. After the first three months all patients had a powerful elbow flexion or extension. One of the free muscle transfers started to have elbow flexion after eight months and he is still progressing. In one patient skin necrosis and infection occurred near the elbow. The patient after IV antibiotics needed another operation to restore the distal insertion, using fascia lata. Ipsilateral latissimus dorsi, if strong enough (at least M4), is an excellent transfer for elbow flexion or extension restoration or enhancement, in late cases of brachial plexus paralysis. Contralateral latissimus is an option when the ipsilateral is weak but it takes more time to function since there is a waiting period for reinnervation.
Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has become an accepted surgical treatment for patients with severe deficiency of the rotator cuff. Despite the utility of RTSA in managing difficult shoulder problems, humeral rotation does not reliably improve and may even worsen following RTSA. Several approaches to increase active external rotation (aER) postoperatively have been proposed including the use of concomitant latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) or the use of an increased lateral-offset glenosphere (LG). We hypothesized that clinical outcome and range of motion after RTSA with a +4 mm or +6 mm LG would be comparable to RTSA with LDTT in patients with a lack of aER preoperatively. An IRB-approved, prospective, single surgeon RTSA registry was reviewed for patients treated with LDTT or LG for preoperative aER deficiency with minimum 1-year follow-up. Patients qualified for aER deficiency if they had a positive ER lag sign or less than or equal to 10 degrees of aER preoperatively. Matched control groups with patients that did not have preoperative lack of aER and were not treated with LDTT or LG were included for comparison. Outcomes measures included Constant-Murley score (CMS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), ASES Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score, Visual Analogue pain Scale (VAS), active forward elevation (aFE), active internal rotation (aIR), and aER. An independent, institutional biostatistician performed statistical analyses.Introduction:
Methods:
Surgical treatment of complex wounds of the lower extremities has greatly evolved in the last years, leading to a higher percentage of limb salvage and good functional recovery. Microsurgery surely is a good weapon when facing extensive tissue losses and infections. From 1994 to 2004, 25 patients have been treated in our department for complex traumas of the lower limb. These cases include 4 acute complex injuries with extensive soft tissue loss (Gustilo III open fractures) which were treated with 3
Introduction. In recently, Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in patients with irreparable rotator cuff tear has been worldwidely performed. Many studies on RSA reported a good improvement in flexion of the sholulder, however, no improvement in external rotation (ER)and internal rotation motion (IR). Additionally, RSA has some risks to perform especially in younger patients, because high rates of complications such as deltoid stretching and loosening, infection, neurologic injury, dislocation, acromial fracture, and breakage of the prosthesis after long-term use were reported. Favard et al noted a 72% survival with a Constant-Murley score of <30 at 10 years with a marked break occurring at 8 years. Boileau et al noted caution is required, as such patients are often younger, and informed consent must obviously cover the high complication rate in this group, as well as the unknown longer-term outcome. Its use should be limited to elderly patients, arguably those aged over 70 years, with poor function and severe pain related to cuff deficiency. We developed a novel strategy in 2001, in which we used the humeral head to close the cuff defect and move the center of rotation medially and distally to increase the lever arm of the deltoid muscle. Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical outcome of our strategy for younger patients with an irreparable rotator cuff tear. Materials and Methods. Eighteen shoulders (9 of male patients, 9 of female patients) of patients under 70 years old with an irreparable cuff tears and who were treated with Humeral Head Replacement (HHR) and cuff reconstruction were followed up for more than 12 months. The average age was 63.9 years (range, 58–69 years). The average follow-up period was 27.3 months (range, 12–76 months). The cuff defect was successfully closed in 8 shoulders, whereas 8 shoulders required a