2021 AANA/ASES Specialty Session-Don’t Forget About Tendon Transfer… Trapezius, Latissimus, Pectoralis?

Don’t Forget About Tendon Transfer… Trapezius, Latissimus, Pectoralis?

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Basim Elassan discussed tendon transfers as alternatives to reverse shoulder arthroplasty for massive rotator cuff tears. He emphasized choosing tendon transfers from posterior muscles for posterior rotator cuff defects, like using the lower trapezius or latissimus dorsi, avoiding anterior chest muscles such as pectoralis major for posterior repairs. He showed cases including failed superior capsular reconstruction where transfers restored function, particularly in younger patients. Techniques involve attaching grafts like Achilles tendon allografts to optimize the line of pull, achieving improved shoulder rotation and stability. Dr. Elassan highlighted both open and arthroscopic-assisted procedures with good clinical outcomes.

Asset Caption

Bassem ElHassan, M.D.

Keywords

tendon transfers

reverse shoulder arthroplasty

massive rotator cuff tears

lower trapezius transfer

Achilles tendon allograft