Pectoralis Major Transfer For Anterior Recurrent Dislocation of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Case Report.

Introduction: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has revolutionized the treatment landscape for a spectrum of shoulder pathologies, extending its indications from rotator cuff arthropathy to encompass irreparable rotator cuff lesions, fractures, inflammatory arthritis, and tumors. However, the exponential increase in RTSA usage has brought a proportional rise in associated complications, with dislocation being one of the most common early post-operative complications. Case Report: This case report details a 65-year-old right-hand dominant male patient presenting with chronic pain and weakness in the right shoulder, diagnosed with advanced glenohumeral arthritis and massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. The patient underwent a Bony Increased- Offset RTSA (BIO-RTSA) procedure, coupled with subscapularis repair. Postoperatively, the patient experienced pain and instability, culminating in an atraumatic anterior dislocation at 4 months. Despite conservative management, recurrent dislocations persisted. Revision surgery was performed with an increase in the linear component size for containment. About 1 year postoperative of the revision surgery, recurrent dislocation reoccurred. Re-revision surgery was performed with secondary pectoralis major (PM) transfer for subscapularis deficiency due to re-tear from recurrent dislocation, and with an increased humeral tray size for better containment. About 1-year and 6-month post-operative to the re-revision surgery, the patient achieved restored stability, improved range of motion, and reported satisfaction with the outcome. Conclusion: This case report underscores the challenges of managing recurrent anterior dislocation after RTSA. The successful use of secondary PM transfer highlights its efficacy as a salvage procedure in restoring stability for persistent anterior dislocation after RTSA. Yet, further clinical studies are warranted to establish the role of such interventions in the management for RTSA-associated complications. Level of Evidence IV: Case report.

Irreparable Subscapularis Tears: Current Tendon Transfer Options.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Irreparable subscapularis tears, especially in younger patients with higher functional demands, present a challenging entity. Pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi tendon transfers are commonly considered for surgical management of this pathology, yet no consensus exists regarding the superior option. The purpose of this article is to review the most current tendon transfer techniques for irreparable subscapularis tears. RECENT FINDINGS: For decades, transfer of the pectoralis major has been considered the gold standard technique for irreparable subscapularis tears. This transfer was found to reduce pain and improve functional outcome scores, yet range of motion and force of internal rotation were not maintained in long-term follow-up studies. The latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for the same indications has demonstrated biomechanical superiority in recent cadaveric studies with promising short-term results clinically. Both pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi tendon transfers improve outcomes of patients with irreparable subscapularis tears. Future comparative studies are still needed to determine superiority amongst techniques.

Management of irreparable subscapularis tears: Current concepts.

Primary repair of acute subscapularis (SSC) tears provides excellent results, but tendon retraction, muscle atrophy, fatty infiltration, and humeral head migration may render a more chronic tear irreparable. These irreparable SSC tears present a diagnostic and treatment challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. Careful physical examination and imaging evaluation can help to distinguish those with reparable versus irreparable tears, but they are still not very reliable due to the methodological limitations of current evidence. Therefore, future research using 3D and quantitative measurement techniques is necessary to better predict the irreparability of the SSC. When conservative treatment of an irreparable SSC tear fails, reversed shoulder arthroplasty has been established as the preferred treatment option for older, low-demand patients with arthropathy, providing reliable improvements in pain and function. In younger patients without significant arthropathy, musculotendinous transfers are the treatment of choice. The pectoralis major transfer is historically the most frequently performed procedure and provides improved range of motion and pain relief, but fails to adequately restore strength and shoulder function. The latissimus dorsi transfer has gained increased interest over the last few years due to its biomechanical superiority, and early clinical studies suggest improved outcomes as well. More recently, anterior capsular reconstruction has been proposed as an alternative to musculotendinous transfers, but clinical data are completely lacking. Future high-quality randomised controlled trials are necessary to reliably compare the different musculotendinous transfers and anterior capsular reconstruction.

Outcome Comparison of Latissimus Dorsi Transfer and Pectoralis Major Transfer for Irreparable Subscapularis Tendon Tear: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Latissimus dorsi transfer (LDT) and pectoralis major transfer (PMT) were developed to treat an irreparable subscapularis tendon tear (ISScT); however, the difference in their outcomes remains unclear. PURPOSE: To systematically review and compare the outcomes of LDT and PMT for ISScT. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A systematic review was performed through a comprehensive search of Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. Studies of LDT or PMT were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The primary outcome was the Constant-Murley score (CMS) at the final follow-up. Secondary outcomes included the subjective shoulder value (SSV), visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, active shoulder range of motion, and the belly-press and lift-off tests. Postoperative failure and complication rates were the safety outcome measures. Outcomes were summarized into the LDT and PMT groups, and results were compared statistically (P < .05). RESULTS: Twelve studies were included in this review: 184 shoulders from 9 studies for the PMT group and 85 shoulders from 3 studies for the LDT group. For the PMT and LDT groups, the mean ages were 58.9 and 55.1 years, respectively, and the mean follow-up was 66.9 and 17.4 months, respectively. Overall, the LDT and PMT groups improved in the primary outcome (CMS) and secondary outcomes (SSV, VAS, ROM, and belly-press and lift-off tests), with low rates of failure and complication. When compared with the PMT group, the LDT group showed more significant improvements in CMS (35.2 vs 24.7; P < .001), active forward flexion (44.3° vs 14.7°; P < .001), abduction (35.0° vs 17.6°; P < .002), and positive belly-press test rate (45% vs 27%; P < .001). No statistically significant difference was seen between the groups in postoperative failure rate, complication rate, mean improvement of active internal rotation, VAS, or SSV. CONCLUSION: In general, LDT showed significantly better clinical outcomes postoperatively than did PMT. The available fair-quality evidence suggested that LDT might be a better choice for ISScT. Further evaluations on the relative benefits of the 2 surgical approaches are required, with more high-quality randomized controlled studies.

Locked fracture dislocations of the proximal humerus: postoperative results and a proposed modification of the classification.

BACKGROUND: Locked dislocations of the glenohumeral joint are disabling and often painful conditions and the treatment is challenging. This study evaluates the functional outcome and the different prosthetic treatment options for chronic locked dislocations of the glenohumeral joint and a subclassification is proposed. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective case series, all patients with a chronic locked dislocation treated surgically during a four-year period were analyzed. Constant score (CS), Quick Disabilities of Shoulder and Hand Score (DASH), patient satisfaction (subjective shoulder value (SSV)), revision rate and glenoid notching were analyzed. RESULTS: 26 patients presented a chronic locked dislocation of the glenohumeral joint. 16 patients (62%) with a mean age of 75 [61-83] years were available for follow-up at 24 ± 18 months. CS improved significantly from 10 ± 6 points to 58 ± 21 points (p < 0.0001). At the final follow-up, the mean DASH was 27 ± 23 and the mean SSV was 58 ± 23 points. The complication rate was 19% and the revision rate was 6%; implant survival was 94%. Scapular notching occurred in 2 (13%) cases (all grade 1). CONCLUSION: With good preoperative planning and by using the adequate surgical technique, good clinical short-term results with a low revision rate can be achieved. The authors suggest extending the Boileau classification for fracture sequelae type 2 and recommend using a modified classification to facilitate the choice of treatment as the suggested classification system includes locked posterior and anterior dislocations with and without glenoid bone loss. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Pectoralis Major and Anterior Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for Subscapularis Tears.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Irreparable subscapularis tears represent a challenging entity, especially when they occur in younger patients with high functional demands. Tendon transfers are one of the options considered for surgical management for this pathology. The purpose of this article is to review the surgical technique and outcome of the two most common tendon transfers considered for irreparable subscapularis tears: pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi. RECENT FINDINGS: Transfer of the pectoralis major has been considered for decades the transfer of choice for irreparable subscapularis tears. Recently, a series with long-term follow-up (over 18 years) supported the reduction in pain and improvement in functional scores and patient satisfaction after pectoralis major transfer. However, the range of motion and the force in internal rotation were not maintained over time. Transfer of the latissimus dorsi to the lesser tuberosity has been recently described as an alternative with a sound biomechanical rationale and encouraging short-term results. Transfer of the pectoralis major and the transfer of latissimus dorsi to the lesser tuberosity are the two transfers most commonly considered for patients with irreparable subscapularis tears. Transfer of the pectoralis major has a much longer track record. Both procedures seem to improve outcomes. Comparative studies are needed to determine the relative indications of these two procedures.

Latissimus dorsi transfer for irreparable subscapularis tendon tears.

BACKGROUND: There are several tendon transfers for reconstruction of irreparable subscapularis tears. The latissimus dorsi (LD) could be used because its direction and function are similar to those of the subscapularis. We performed LD transfers for irreparable subscapularis tears and evaluated clinical outcomes. METHODS: The study enrolled 24 consecutive patients who underwent LD transfers. Clinical and functional outcomes were evaluated using the Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, pain visual analog scale, and range of shoulder motion preoperatively and at last follow-up. The lift-off and belly-press tests were performed to assess subscapularis integrity and function. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively to evaluate tendon integrity. RESULTS: Mean Constant, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and pain scores improved from 46 ± 6 to 69 ± 5 (P < .001), from 40 ± 3 to 70 ± 5 (P < .001), and from 6 ± 1 to 2 ± 1 (P = .006), respectively. The mean range of motion for forward elevation and internal rotation increased from 135° ± 17° to 166° ± 15° (P = .016) and from L5 to L1 (P = .010), respectively. Improvement in the range of motion for external rotation was not significant (51° ± 7° to 68° ± 7°; P = .062). At final follow-up, the belly-press test results were negative for 18 of 24 patients, and the lift-off test results were negative for 16 of 20 patients. No complications related to tendon transfer, including axillary and radial nerve injuries, were found. No retearing of the transferred LD was observed. CONCLUSIONS: LD transfer resulted in pain relief and restoration of shoulder range of motion and function. LD transfer could be considered an effective and safe salvage treatment for irreparable subscapularis tears.

Management of Complex Anterior Shoulder Instability: a Case-Based Approach.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: The goal of this review is to provide a guide on surgical decision-making options for complex anterior shoulder instability using a case-based approach. RECENT FINDINGS: Arthroscopic Bankart repair is well documented for having successful outcomes in patients with isolated labral tear involvement with minimal bone loss. Latarjet is a generally accepted procedure in patients with 20-30% glenoid bone loss. When bone loss exceeds that which cannot be managed through Latarjet, a range of options exist and are highly dependent upon the extent of osseous deficiency on both the glenoid and humeral sides, surgeon experience, and patient-specific factors. The use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for the management of chronic locked shoulder dislocations has been described as a successful management option. Treatment options for complex anterior shoulder instability range widely based on patients' presenting exam, surgical history, amount of glenoid bone loss, size of Hill-Sachs lesion, and surgeon preference. When selecting the appropriate surgical intervention, the treating surgeon must consider the patient history, physical exam, and preoperative imaging along with patient expectations.

Indirect transfer of the sternal head of the pectoralis major with autogenous semitendinosus augmentation to treat scapular winging secondary to long thoracic nerve palsy.

BACKGROUND: Scapular winging resulting from long thoracic nerve palsy is uncommon but debilitating, and the choice of surgical treatment is inconsistent. The autogenous semitendinosus tendon plays a key role as an interposed tendon graft, although its use in the indirect transfer of the sternal head of the pectoralis major during the treatment of scapular winging has rarely been reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed during a 9-year period from the clinical data of 26 cases (28 shoulders) with indirect transfer of the sternal head of the pectoralis major with the interposition of an autogenous semitendinosus tendon graft for dynamic stabilization of the scapula. The range of active movement (forward elevation, abduction, and external rotation), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, visual analog scale score, and complications were evaluated with a mean of 47 months of clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Patients' active shoulder movements (forward elevation, abduction, and external rotation), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and visual analog scale score showed significant improvements (P < .01). One seroma developed and resolved with extraction. Four shoulders had adhesive capsulitis and recovered after physiotherapy. There was no recurrence of scapular winging in any patient. CONCLUSION: Timely treatment, often surgical, is vital to the recovery of scapular winging secondary to long thoracic nerve palsy. Our results suggest that indirect transfer of the sternal head of the pectoralis major with interposition of the autogenous semitendinosus tendon can effectively treat scapular winging due to long thoracic nerve palsy with limited sequelae. Widespread use of this technique is recommended.

A comprehensive analysis of pectoralis major transfer for long thoracic nerve palsy.

BACKGROUND: In the treatment of long thoracic nerve palsy with pectoralis major transfer, it remains unknown whether direct transfer of the pectoralis to the scapula or indirect transfer with an interpositional graft provides superior outcomes. METHODS: A 3-tiered study was performed to gain a comprehensive understanding. (1) A survey of the membership of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) was conducted to reach a Level V consensus. (2) A systematic review was conducted to identify all series evaluating direct and indirect transfer of the pectoralis major tendon to create a Level IV consensus. (3) A retrospective review was performed to provide Level III evidence. RESULTS: (1) Surgeons were evenly split between whole and split tendon transfers, direct and indirect transfers, and graft types. More experienced surgeons were more likely to prefer an indirect transfer. (2) Analysis of 10 Level IV studies (131 shoulders) revealed that patients who underwent indirect transfer were significantly more likely to develop recurrent winging (P = .009) and had lower active forward elevation (P < .001) and ASES scores (P = .0016). (3) Twenty-four patients were included in our retrospective review with a mean follow-up of 4.3 years (77% follow-up), of whom 14 underwent indirect transfer and 10 underwent direct transfer. There were no significant differences in recurrence of winging, range of motion, or ASES scores. CONCLUSIONS: Level V and III evidence suggests that there is no functional difference between direct and indirect transfer. Level IV evidence must be interpreted with caution.

Outcome of transfer of the sternal head of the pectoralis major with its bone insertion to the scapula to manage scapular winging.

HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of transfer of the sternal head of the pectoralis major with its bone insertion to the inferior pole of the scapula for symptomatic winging. METHODS: Our study included 51 patients with serratus anterior dysfunction secondary to chronic muscle or long thoracic nerve injury. Indications included pain, scapular winging, and limited active motion after failed conservative management. All patients underwent transfer of the sternal head of the pectoralis major with its bone insertion to the scapular inferior pole. Computed tomography scan was performed at 3 months postoperatively to evaluate bone healing. RESULTS: At an average follow-up of 29 months (range, 12-46 months), 45 patients had complete and 6 patients had partial resolution of the scapular winging. Patients had significant improvements in their shoulder abduction, forward flexion, and pain levels (P < .01). The mean shoulder Constant score improved from 49 preoperatively to 82 postoperatively; the shoulder subjective value improved from 60% to 84%; and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score improved from 58 to 14 (P < .01). Computed tomography scans at an average of 3 months postoperatively demonstrated full healing in 41 patients and partial healing in 10. CONCLUSION: Pectoralis major transfer of the sternal head with its bone insertion to the inferior pole of the scapula is a reliable transfer to stabilize and to restore the function of the scapula in patients with symptomatic winging. This technique allows the ability to directly transfer the tendon to the scapula with bone-to-bone healing, leading to faster healing and a quicker return to unrestricted activities.

Medial scapular winging associated with rib fractures and plating corrected with pectoralis major transfer.

INTRODUCTION: Rib plating is becoming increasingly common as a method for stabilizing a flail chest resulting from multiple rib fractures. Recent guidelines recommend surgical stabilization of a flail chest based on consistent evidence of its efficacy and lack of major safety concerns. But complications of this procedure can occur and are wide ranging. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report an interesting case of a 58-year-old male patient that worked as a long-distance truck driver and had a flail chest from multiple bilateral rib fractures that occurred when his vehicle was blown over in a wind storm. He underwent open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) of the bilateral rib fractures and they successfully healed. However, he had permanent long thoracic nerve injury on the side with the most severe trauma. This resulted in symptomatic scapular winging that impeded him from long-distance truck driving. The scapular winging was surgically corrected nearly two years later with a pectoralis major transfer augmented with fascia lata graft. The patient had an excellent final result. DISCUSSION: We report this case to alert surgeons who perform rib fracture ORIF that long thoracic nerve injury is a potential iatrogenic complication of that procedure or might be a result of the chest wall trauma. CONCLUSION: Although the specific cause of the long thoracic nerve injury could not be determined in our patient, it was associated with chest wall trauma in the setting of rib fracture ORIF. The scapular winging was surgically corrected with a pectoralis major transfer.