Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer With Acromial Osteotomy for Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear

Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer is an effective option for young and active patients with massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears and intact subscapularis tendon. This approach has been shown to relieve pain and improve shoulder function in both the short and long term. We describe a surgical technique using an acromial osteotomy to better expose the greater tuberosity for the tendon transfer without disrupting the deltoid muscle. The latissimus dorsi tendon is reinforced with a human dermal collagen matrix (GraftJacket; Wright Medical Group) for additional augmentation of the muscle to gain more excursion for the tendon transfer to the greater tuberosity. The transferred tendon is fixed to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus footprints on the greater tuberosity using suture anchors. The acromial osteotomy is repaired back anatomically with several No. 5 braided sutures (FiberWire; Arthrex).