Latissimus Dorsi Transfer

Massive tears of the posterosuperior rotator cuff (infraspinatus and posteriorsupraspinatus) leads to weakness and pain on overhead activities, such as lifting overhead, throwing, climbing and hammering. This is often disabling for heavy manual workers and active people. These movements are known as 'external rotation and abduction' and are controlled by the infraspinatus and posterior supraspinatus tendons, as well as the teres minor tendon.

Two large muscles attach to the humerus below the teres minor. These are Latissimus dorsi and Teres Major. Both can be used for transfer - either together or individually, depending on the surgeon preferences, muscle quality and excursion.