Fully Arthroscopic Anterior Latissimus Dorsi and Teres Major Transfer for Anterosuperior Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears.

Kim, Bo Taek; Miranda, Luis Alfredo; Baek, Chang Hee; Kany, Jean · Arthrosc Tech · 2025

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

A variety of treatment options have been proposed for patients with anterosuperior irreparable rotator cuff tears (ASIRCTs). The anterior latissimus dorsi (LD) tendon transfer has proven to be a viable option, because it serves as an internal rotator and mimics the line of pull of the subscapularis, which originates from the back of the chest wall. Incorporating the teres major (TM) tendon, which exhibits similar scapulohumeral kinematics to the subscapularis, strengthens the transfer, enhancing the shoulder's force couple restoration. In this Technical Note, we present a fully arthroscopic approach for anterior LDTM tendon transfer, performed without open or axillary arthroscopic incisions, to treat patients with ASIRCTs. This fully arthroscopic anterior LDTM tendon transfer is a reproducible and effective option for patients with ASIRCTs.

Anatomy