J Korean Shoulder Elbow Soc.  2010 Jun;13(1):161-166.

Tendon Transfer for Irreparable Massive Rotator Cuff Tear

• Yum JK
• Lee HS
• Park SB

Abstract

PURPOSE
Irreparable massive rotator cuff tears pose a distinct clinical challenge for the orthopaedist and non-surgical treatment has had inconsistent results and proven unsuccessful for chronic symptoms, while surgery, including debridement and partial and complete repairs have had varying degrees of success.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
For rotator cuff tears that are deemed irreparable, treatment options are limited.
RESULTS
AND CONCLUSION: The use of tendon transfers (latissimus dorsi for posterosuperior type cuff defects and pectoralis major for subscapularis defects) in younger patients to reconstruct rotator cuffs and re-establish function and restore shoulder kinematics can be useful in solving this difficult problem.

Keyword

Shoulder; Irreparable rotator cuff tear; Tendon transfer; Latissimus dorsi; Pectoralis major

MeSH Terms

Biomechanics
Debridement
Humans
Rotator Cuff
Shoulder
Tendon Transfer
Tendons