Aims. Since long-term outcome of teres major tendon transfer surgery
for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff (RC) tears is largely
unknown, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term
outcome of the teres major transfer. We also aimed to report on
the results of a cohort of patients with a similar indication for
surgery that underwent a latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. Patients and Methods. In this prospective cohort study, we reported on the long-term
results of 20 consecutive patients with a teres major tendon transfer
for irreparable massive posterosuperior RC tears. Additionally,
we reported on the results of the latissimus dorsi tendon transfer
(n = 19). The mean age was 60 years (47 to 77). Outcomes included
the Constant score (CS), and pain at rest and during movement using
the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results. At a mean of ten years (8 to 12) following teres major transfer,
the CS was still 23 points (95% confidence interval (CI) 14.6 to
30.9, p < 0.001) higher than preoperatively. VAS for pain at
rest (21 mm, 95% CI 4.0 to 38.9, p = 0.016) and movement (31 mm,
95% CI 16.0 to 45.1, p < 0.001) were lower than preoperatively.
We also found an increase in CS (32 points, 95% CI 23.4 to 40.2,
p < 0.001) and reduction of pain (26 mm, 95% CI 9.9 to 41.8,
p = 0.001) six years after latissimus dorsi transfer. Conclusion.
