Greater tuberosity osteotomy and teres minor transfer for irreparable superior rotator cuff tears

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mid- to long- term objective, subjective and radiographic results of patients who underwent anterior-superior transfer of remaining infraspinatus tendon and teres minor tendon for irreparable superior rotator cuff tears. Thirteen patients were identified who underwent infraspinatus tendon transfer to a more superior position on the humeral head between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2001. Nine shoulders in eight patients were available for clinical examination, radiographs and questionnaire follow-up at an average of 83.5 +/- 31.4 months. Radiographic examination revealed 1 fibrous union and 6 united tuberosity osteotomies. Samilson-Prieto grading of radiographs revealed 4 shoulders with mild, and 4 shoulders with moderate, OA. Seven of the patients were satisfied with their shoulder. There were two poor outcomes. Local antero-superior teres minor and residual infraspinatus transfer provides a viable option for irreparable rotator cuff defects. Mid- to long-term satisfactory outcome was achieved in 7 out of 9 shoulders.