Efficacy of combined anterior latissimus dorsi and teres major tendon transfer vs. reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in anterosuperior irreparable rotator cuff tears with loss of active internal rotation.

BACKGROUND

This retrospective study aimed to compare the clinical results of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) and combined anterior latissimus dorsi and teres major (aLDTM) tendon transfer in patients with nonarthritic anterosuperior irreparable rotator cuff tears (ASIRCTs) with loss of active internal rotation (aIR).

METHODS

Using propensity score matching based on demographic variables, 29 patients were included in each group (rTSA and aLDTM) with a minimum follow-up period of 2 years. Clinical results were evaluated using the visual analog scale score, Constant-Murley score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, University of California Los Angeles shoulder score, activities of daily living requiring active internal rotation, active range of motion, subscapularis-specific examinations, rotational strength, and the ability to perform toileting activities. The progression of arthritic changes in the shoulder joint was evaluated by the acromiohumeral distance and Hamada grade.

RESULTS

Significant improvements of clinical results were confirmed in both groups. However, the Constant-Murley score (58.4 ± 10.5 vs. 69.1 ± 8.2, P < .001), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (64.5 ± 12.3 vs. 78.5 ± 10.9, P < .001), University of California Los Angeles shoulder score (22.9 ± 5.3 vs. 28.2 ± 4.1, P < .001), forward elevation (134.1 ± 35.7 vs. 162.4 ± 15.5, P < .001), and internal rotation (IR) at the back (4.6 ± 1.1 vs. 6.9 ± 2.2, P < .001) were significantly better in the aLDTM group compared with the rTSA group. The subscapularis-specific physical examination (P < .001), IR strength (P < .001), and the ability to perform toileting activities (P < .001) were significantly better in the aLDTM group compared with the rTSA group. There was no significant change in the acromiohumeral distance (preoperative 8.3 ± 1.3 to postoperative 8.5 ± 1.8, P = .367) and no significant progression of arthritic change (Hamada grade preoperative 1.4 ± 0.5 to postoperative 1.5 ± 0.6, P = .458) in the aLDTM group.

CONCLUSION

Both rTSA and aLDTM improved overall patient outcomes postoperatively. However, combined aLDTM tendon transfer was superior in terms of clinical scores, IR active range of motion, IR strength, and the ability to perform toileting activities in patients with ASIRCTs and loss of aIR. This study suggests that combined aLDTM tendon transfer could be a first-line joint-saving treatment for patients with nonarthritic ASIRCTs and loss of aIR, considering the longevity and related complications of arthroplasty.