Editorial Commentary: Lower Trapezius Transfer Delivers Durable, Meaningful Recovery at 5 Years: Thresholds Tell Only Part of the Story.

Abstract

Arthroscopic-assisted lower trapezius tendon transfer has emerged as a compelling joint-preserving solution for massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears, yet the field has lacked a robust framework for interpreting what constitutes a meaningful patient outcome after this procedure. Establishing procedure-specific minimal clinically important difference and patient acceptable symptom state thresholds in this setting is both timely and necessary. When such thresholds are derived, however, they must be understood as cohort-specific constructs that cannot be universally applied across patient populations, institutions, or surgical techniques. The teres minor remains a critical variable in outcome prediction, and its preoperative trophicity should be a central element of the shared surgical decision-making process.