Arthroscopic-Assisted Lower Trapezius Tendon Transfer for Massive Irreparable Posterior-Superior Rotator Cuff Tears: Surgical Technique

Abstract

Tendon transfer options to reconstruct a massive irreparable posterior-superior rotator cuff tear include latissimus dorsi, teres major, or lower trapezius transfer. We previously described the lower trapezius transfer using a 2-incision approach, which includes a medial incision to harvest the lower trapezius and lateral transacromial incision to expose the rotator cuff and then perform the transfer through a deep tunnel connecting these 2 sites. In this report, we describe an arthroscopic-assisted technique of lower trapezius transfer augmented with an Achilles tendon allograft to reconstruct an irreparable posterior-superior rotator cuff tear.