Abstract

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the mid- and long-term functional and radiological results following latissimus dorsi transfer for symptomatic irreparable tears of the supra- and infraspinatus tendons (postero-superior cuff tears). Twenty-six shoulders with an irreparable postero-superior rotator cuff tear were assessed preoperatively and after latissimus dorsi transfer, using the Constant score and standard radiographs to determine the degree of osteoarthritis and to measure the acromio-humeral distance. After a minimal follow-up of one year (range : 13 to 124 months) we observed a significant increase in Constant score from 39 to 60 points at the time of the last follow-up (p < 0.00001). Eighty-five percent of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the result and would undergo the same surgery again. An increase in the grade of gleno-humeral osteoarthritis was noted in 38.5% of the operated shoulders, and this was associated with a lower Constant score. We noted a decrease in acromio-humeral distance, indicating further proximalisation of the humeral head, but this was not significant (p = 0.049).