Method of arthroscopically assisted latissimus dorsi tendon transfer in the “lateral decubitus” position for the treatment of patients with anterior-superior irreparable massive rotator cuff tears

Irreparable anterior-superior rotator cuff tears are less common than postero-superior cuff tears and spoted for approximately 5 to 20% of all tears [1,2]. Nowadays various "joint-saving" interventions have been described that can be used while the articular cartilage of the shoulder joint is safe. Muscle-tendon transfers are an option for young, active patients with irreparable ruptures of the rotator cuff. Biomechanicaly the transfer of the tendon of the latissimus dorsi muscle is the most benefi al intervention for the treatment of specialized patients [7, 25-27]. Given the above data, the search for methods that simplify and accelerate the procedure and increase the strength of the latissimus dorsi muscle and the reliability of its intraoperative fi tion is very relevant. Th aim is to test and apply in private practice a new method of arthroscopically assisted latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for the treatment of relevant patients. Material and methods. In the period from 2021 to 2022, 9 interventions were performed according to the method protected by the patent: “Method of surgical treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears using arthroscopically assisted technique of transposition of the latissimus dorsi muscle” No. RU 2791403 C1.