Latissimus dorsi transfer for recurrent dislocation of the shoulder

The results of latissimus dorsi transfer for recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder performed during the past three decades were subjected to a failure analysis. Twenty patients operated on in the light of this had no episodes of dislocation and obtained full function. The mode of action of the latissimus dorsi transfer explains the apparent paradox of an operation that produces external rotation resulting in the prevention of anterior dislocation. The action of the transfer in pulling the humeral head posteriorly is the most important feature. If the transfer is not located correctly, this force will be less than that produced in external rotation and dislocation will recur.