Keywords
shoulder/surgery - rotator cuff - tendon transfer - tendon injuries
Introduction
Lesions to the rotator cuff of the shoulder have several configurations, which are
classified according to the size of the lesion, as well as the tendons involved and
their reparability.[1]
[2] Initial subscapularis lesions may go clinically unnoticed, causing treatment delay
and evolving to a retracted lesion associated with fatty degeneration of the muscular
belly, thus becoming irreparable.[1] Their association with lesions to the anterior part of the supraspinatus is not
uncommon, and characterize what is called anterosuperior lesions.[3] In these cases, loss of humeral head depressants is observed, leading to anterosuperior
instability, generating pain and dysfunction in the shoulder.[3]
The surgical treatment alternatives for irreparable subscapularis lesions include
muscle transfers such as those of the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor and latissimus
dorsi.[2]
[4] For patients who present the condition associated with glenohumeral osteoarthritis,
reverse arthroplasty should be the alternative, acting both in the resolution of joint
degeneration and in the treatment of the dysfunction resulted from the cuff injury.[4]
The most studied and widespread technique for the treatment of irreparable subscapularis
lesions is the transfer of the pectoralis major to the minor tuberosity, presenting
favorable and long-term clinical results.[1]
[5]
[6]
[7] However, based on anatomical studies[8] some surgeons believes that the tendon of the latissimus dorsi presents a vector
closer to that of the subscapularis because it also originates from the posterior
wall of the thorax differently from the pectoralis major, which originates from the
anterior wall and presents a vector of almost orthogonal force to that of the anterior
part of the rotator cuff.[8] In an anatomical study in cadavers, Elhassan et al.[8] demonstrated that the transfer of the latissimus dorsi to subscapular lesions is
anatomically possible and with a low risk of nerve injury. Thus, the purpose of the
present work is to describe the surgical technique developed by the Santa Casa de
Porto Alegre Shoulder Surgery Group for the transfer of the latissimus dorsi in the
subscapularis and/or anterosuperior irreparable lesions to the rotator cuff.
Description of the Technique
After performing interscalenic regional block and general anesthesia, the patient
is placed in the beach chair position with the aid of elbow support. The deltopectoral
approach is performed with an incision of approximately 7 cm in the anterior region
of the shoulder to identify the irreparable subscapularis lesion. The coracoacromial
ligament is preserved to prevent anterosuperior migration of the humeral head, and,
if the long cord of the biceps is intact, tenotomy with or without tenodesis is performed.
The tendon of the latissimus dorsi is identified immediately distal to the subscapularis,
medial to the long cord of the biceps, and posterior to the pectoralis major. The
proximal 2-cm tenotomy of the pectoralis major is performed ([Figure 1]) for adequate exposure of the distal portion of the latissimus dorsi that often
has an arciform insertion ([Figure 2]). Next, the tendon of the latissimus dorsi of the larger round is released with
the aid of a Freer elevator. This stage is important, because the tendons may have
an insertion or an almost joined fascia, and if the latissimus dorsi is not well released
from the Teres major, this will restrain its proximal excursion to the humerus head.
Following this, the disinsertion of the latissimus dorsi from the humerus is made
by means of a delicate and sharp osteotome and the preparation of a bone chip in its
proximal portion, with care in order not to violate the insertion of the Teres major
([Figure 1]). Then, the collection of the tendon is performed using a scalpel with a #15 blade
adjacent to the bone so there is no graft loss. In this step of the graft collection,
it is important that the distal portion of the insertion of the latissimus dorsi is
adequately visualized, so that the collection is not finished before its end, consequently
avoiding an amputation of the distal part of the graft, which can restrain the excursion
and quality of the tendon at the time of insertion ([Figure 2]). Next, the repair of the tendon of the latissimus dorsi with two Krakow-type sutures
with non-absorbable wires (Ethibond 5, Ethicon, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, US) is performed
at each edge of the tendon, leaving the central part free, avoiding some impairment
in vascularization and healing potential ([Figure 3]). Then, the muscle part of the graft is released with a Cobb elevator to improve
the excursion and length of the tendon, taking care not to put at risk the neurovascular
structures that are medial and anterior to the latissimus dorsi, like the radial nerve.
In the next step, the excursion of the latissimus dorsi is tested, and the most proximal
insertion point is delimited. Then, the lesser tubercle and the anterior portion of
the greater tubercle (in the anterosuperior lesions) are decorticated with a Leksell
Bone Roungeur and the latissimus dorsi graft is transfered and fixated with 2 transosseous
stitches at the most proximal point of the decorticated bed of the lesser tubercle,
and, in some cases, in the anterior portion of the greater tubercle ([Figure 4]). A few more transosseous stitches are made by fixing the tendon from the latissimus
dorsi to the humeral head if necessary, so that there is adequate coaptation of the
graft on its larger surface in the bone bed. The subscapularis stump is repaired at
the medial edge or under the tendon of the transferred latissimus dorsi, in an attempt
to improve the tension of the anterior wall of the cuff. If possible, other cuff injuries
(supraspinatus and infraspinatus) are repaired by the same approach, also with transosseous
stitches. ([Figure 5]). Finally, the proximal part of the tenotomized pectoralis major is sutured ([Video 1]). After closing by planes and dressing, the patient is immobilized with a sling
with abductor cushion developed by the Santa Casa de Porto Alegre Shoulder Surgery
Group to maintain the limb in a functional neutral position. A video of the technique
is attached ([Video 1]).
Fig. 1 Drawing of the irreparable anterosuperior lesion with pectoralis major tenotomy for
the adequate exposure of the latissimus dorsi (LD) and its collection with a bone
chip.
Fig. 2 Transoperative photo of deltopectoral pathway showing the distal portion of the LD
(black asterisk) with the tenotomized pectoralis major (white arrow).
Fig. 3 Drawing of the LD graft with passage of two Krakow-type suture lines with Ethibond
thread number 5.
Fig. 4 Transoperative photo showing graft insertion (LD) (white asterisk) in the smaller
tube of the humerus (black arrow).
Fig. 5 Drawing of the final suture scheme of the graft inserted in the smaller tubercle
of the humerus, repair of anterior lesion of the supraspinatus, repair of the subscapularis
stump in the LD, and suture of the tenotomized part of the pectoralis major.
Video 1 Transfer technique of the LD in anterosuperior injury of the rotator cuff. Irreparable
subscapularis lesion and reparable supraspinatus lesion. Color video.
The postoperative management is performed with maintenance of the sling for four to
six weeks. During this period, the patient is instructed to perform the flexion-extension
of the elbow with the arm next to the body already on the first postoperative day.
After the removal of the sling, passive movements are recommended, with the patient
evolving to active mobility. Muscle-strengthening exercises are recommended only after
the 12th postoperative week.
Final Considerations
The transfer of the latissimus dorsi in anterosuperior lesions of the rotator cuff
([Video 1]) is a new technique that has been shown to be viable, low-cost and without short-term
postoperative complications. In addition, patients treated with this technique have
reported a high satisfaction rate, and it was also possible to use it for patients
with associated posterosuperior lesions. Further studies are needed to evaluate the
efficacy and technical reproducibility compared to other treatment methods, as well
as their long-term clinical results.
