Risk of latissimus dorsi tendon rupture after arthroscopic transfer for posterior superior rotator cuff tear: a comparative analysis of 3 humeral head fixation techniques

Background To compare latissimus dorsi tendon rupture rates after arthroscopic transfer for posterior superior rotator cuff tear using 3 different humeral head fixation techniques. Methods One-hundred fifty consecutive latissimus dorsi transfers were included. Inclusion criteria were massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear with advanced fatty infiltration associated with persistent pain and limited range of motion after failed conservative treatments or surgery. All transfers were arthroscopically assisted and fixed in a transosseous tunnel with a cortical button (group 1, n = 59), “over the top” onto the footprint of the supraspinatus (group 2, n = 47), or posteriorly onto the footprint of the infraspinatus (group 3, n = 44) with 2 suture anchors. The tendons were marked with 3 metallic clips placed intraoperatively at a fixed distance of 2, 4, and 6 cm from the tip. Immediate postoperative standard anteroposterior radiographs were performed to confirm the position of the clips and to determine whether the clips displaced on subsequent radiographs during follow-up, indicating tendon rupture. Results Repeat radiographs at 3-month follow-up showed higher risk of latissimus dorsi transfer rupture rate in 27/59 patients in group 1 (46%), 11/47 in group 2 (24%), and 7/44 in group 3 (15%). Conclusion Posterior anchor fixation of the latissimus dorsi tendon onto the infraspinatus footprint had the lowest rupture rate.