Transfer of the tendon of latissimus dorsi for the treatment of massive tears of the rotator cuff: a new single-incision technique.
We describe 14 patients who underwent transfer of latissimus dorsi using a new technique through a single-incision. Their mean age was 61 years (47 to 76) and the mean follow-up was 32 months (19 to 42). The mean Constant score improved from 46.5 to 74.6 points. The mean active flexion increased from 119 degrees to 170 degrees , mean abduction from 118 degrees to 169 degrees and mean external rotation from 19 degrees to 33 degrees . The Hornblower sign remained positive in three patients (23%) as did the external rotation lag sign also in three patients (23%). No patient had a positive drop-arm sign at follow-up. No significant difference was noted between the mean pre- and postoperative acromiohumeral distance as seen on radiographs. An increased grade of osteoarthritis was found in three patients (23%). Electromyographic analysis showed activity of the transferred muscle in all patients.
Habermeyer
P
P
Shoulder and Elbow Service ATOS Clinic, Bismarckplatz 9-15, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany. Habermeyer@atos.de
Magosch
P
P
Rudolph
T
T
Lichtenberg
S
S
Liem
D
D
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012399:Rotation; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D012421:Rupture; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D013709:Tendon Transfer / Q000379:methods*