Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for massive irreparable cuff tears: an anatomic study

The purpose of this study was to describe landmarks for latissimus dorsi tendon transfer in massive irreparable tears of the rotator cuff. Nine pairs of embalmed cadaveric shoulders were dissected. Crucial structures were identified, and their relationship with various bony and soft-tissue reference points was documented. Identification of the dense fibrous band, at the confluence of the teres major and latissimus dorsi musculotendinous unit, facilitates localization of the radial nerve, which crosses deep to this landmark. The axillary nerve can be seen to exit the quadrangular space 27 mm medial to the latissimus dorsi insertion into the proximal humerus, whereas the thoracodorsal neurovascular pedicle inserts into the latissimus dorsi 110 mm from the humeral tendon's humeral attachment. Harvest of the latissimus dorsi tendon can be safely accomplished by identifying the dense fibrous band and releasing the tendon within 2 cm of its humeral attachment.