Comparison of clinical outcomes of anterior combined latissimus dorsi and teres major tendon transfer for anterior superior irreparable rotator cuff tear between young and elderly patients.

Background: Anterior combined latissimus dorsi and teres major (aLDTM) tendon transfer has shown promise as a treatment for anterior superior irreparable rotator cuff tears (ASIRCTs). Our study aimed to compare aLDTM clinical outcomes for ASIRCTs between young and elderly patients.

Methods: This retrospective study reviewed data from patients who underwent aLDTM tendon transfer for ASIRCTs with minimum 2-year follow-up. Clinical evaluations included visual analog scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), active range of motion (aROM), strength, and complications. Radiologic assessments included acromiohumeral distance, Hamada classification, and integrity of transferred tendon. Patients were divided into group total (all ages), group old (≥70 years), and group young (≤60 years).

Results: A total of 123 patients were enrolled with 39 in group young (mean age, 56.6±4.9 years) and 27 in group old (mean age, 73.6±2.3 years). Postoperatively, both groups showed significant improvements in VAS, ASES, and SANE scores and improved aROM for forward elevation, abduction, and internal rotation. No significant differences in clinical coutcomes were noted between the groups. Furthermore, similar rates of complications, including retears and postoperative infections, were observed across all three groups.

Conclusions: Our study highlights the effectiveness of aLDTM transfer for ASIRCTs with minimal glenohumeral arthritis, demonstrating similar outcomes in both group young and group old patients. Moreover, patients in these distinct age groups showed comparable clinical results when compared to group total. Level of evidence: III.