Applications of Latissimus Dorsi Grafts in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty

The shoulder joint is a multiaxial joint in the upper body known for its high degree of motion. It is also infamously known for recurrent dislocations compared to other joints. These dislocations are mainly fixed by closed reduction methods like the Hippocrates technique, Stimpson's gravity technique, and the most commonly used modified Kocher's technique. The modified Kocher's technique uses traction followed by external rotation, adduction, and internal rotation. Rotator cuff tears are associated with shoulder joint dislocations. Rotator cuff tears slowly heal and persist for 10-20 years, irrespective of their etiology. When left untreated, fibrosis can set in the joint. After fibrosis, it is repaired with a reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty allows a greater degree of movement compared to the conventional arthroplasty. In reverse shoulder arthroplasty, the latissimus dorsi tendon is removed from its original insertion and attached to the humerus around the insertion of the deltoid muscle. This change increases the torque and external rotation of the joint and provides better results than the surgeries where the tendon transfer is not done. This article compiles the various etiologies of shoulder dislocation and its treatment, shoulder arthroplasty. It discusses the indications and contraindications of total and reverse total arthroplasty. This article aims to compare conventional shoulder arthroplasty and reverse shoulder arthroplasty. It highlights the advantages of using latissimus dorsi grafts in reverse shoulder arthroplasty in shoulder joint dislocations.