Clinical outcome of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer and partial cuff repair in irreparable postero-superior rotator cuff tear

Background and purpose Irreparable rotator cuff tears are a common cause of pain in adult population, requiring in many cases a surgical treatment. Possible alternatives are debridement, partial repair, muscle transfers and joint replacement. We evaluated two groups of patients with irreparable rotator cuff tear treated surgically: one group received an arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT), and the other an arthroscopic rotator cuff partial repair. Aim of our study was to compare clinical results and quality of life in two groups of patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tear: one receiving an arthroscopic LDTT and the other receiving an arthroscopic rotator cuff partial repair. Methods Forty patients were assigned to two groups: 20 patients to group TT treated with LDTT and 20 patients to group PR treated with a partial repair. The average follow-up duration was 2.8 years (1–5, SD 3). Pre- and postoperative modified UCLA shoulder score, ROM, measurement of the strength and the rotator cuff quality of life (RC-QOL) were used to asses the outcome. Results LDTT showed significative improvements when compared to partial repair in UCLA score results, strength and RC-QOL questionnaire. No differences were found between the groups in pain relief. Conclusion Both techniques are effective in reducing patients’ symptoms. We believe that in younger, high-demanding patients with no or mild osteoarthritis, the LDTT represents a valid treatment option with better modified UCLA score improvement and strength at our follow-up.