High Clinical Failure Rate After Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for Revision Massive Rotator Cuff Tears

To evaluate the clinical success rate, along with risk factors for failure, in patients undergoing latissimus dorsi transfer for the treatment of massive, irreparable, previously failed rotator cuff tears. We performed a retrospective chart review of prospectively collected data from an institutional shoulder outcome registry. All patients who underwent latissimus dorsi transfer for previously failed rotator cuff repair between 2006 and 2013 with a minimum follow-up period of 1 year were included in the study. The indications for inclusion were large (≥2 tendons), retracted, chronic rotator cuff tears with fatty infiltration or atrophy for which prior surgical repair had failed. Preoperative and postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Simple Shoulder Test scores were collected, along with postoperative Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation scores. Complications and clinical failures (Δ in ASES score