Modified L'Episcopo Tendon Transfers for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: 5-year Followup

• DOI: 10.1007/s11999-009-1030-4
• Publication Date: 2009-08-14T14:10:06Z
• Authors: Christian Gerhardt; Lars Lehmann; Sven Lichtenberg; Peter Magosch; Peter Habermeyer
• Keywords: External rotation; Tendon transfer; Cuff; Arthropathy; Rotator cuff injury

Patients with posterosuperior cuff tears lose functional external rotation of the shoulder. Latissimus dorsi and teres major transfer is performed to restore rotation. Twenty patients a mean age was 55.8 +/- 6 years underwent this procedure were examined at averages 24.7 (n = 17) 70.6 13) months. Two did not improve presumably because failure transfer. The Constant Murley score increased from 55.6 90.4 after 2 87.9 5 years. active flexion 119.4 degrees 169.3 reached 170 years, 12 35 , finally reaching 23 . grade arthritis progressed initially Grade 1 in 17% 28% 8%, 3 69%, 4 15% final followup. acromiohumeral distance 4.5 mm decreased 3.8 Electromyographic analysis showed activity during isometric internal transferred muscle all patients. L'Episcopo can shoulder function, but arthropathy may progress.Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors complete description levels evidence.