[Latissimus dorsi transfer for treatment of irreparable rotator cuff lesions]

The paper presents results of treatment of irreparable rotator cuff lesions by means of latissimus dorsi transfer. Material consists of 10 patients treated in our center in 2003-2006. 9 male and 1 female patients were operated. The av. age was 56.3 (27-65). Follow-up period was 15.3 months on average. Evaluation included following measurements: range of motion, pain, UCLA score. 4 patients were evaluated also by ultrasound imaging and EMG. Average increase of active flexion was 70 degrees, active abducion--71 degrees, active external rotation--23 degrees. Pain was significantly diminshed in all patients. The result of treatment in our study group are similar to that presented in literature. Based on this paper latissimus dorsi transfer can be recommended as a technique for traetment of irreparable rotator cuff