ArticleShoulder & elbow2025
Evaluating tendon transfers in irreparable rotator cuff tears: A systematic review of clinical outcomes and failure rates.
Article in Shoulder & elbow, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Results of Latissimus Dorsi Transfer Associated with the Use of Autologous Fascia Lata Tendon Graft in Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Injuries.Revista brasileira de ortopedia · 2026Article
- [Results of Latissimus Dorsi Transfer Associated with the Use of Autologous Fascia Lata Tendon Graft in Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Injuries].Revista brasileira de ortopedia · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
9 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Background: Irreparable rotator cuff tears (IRCTs) pose a clinical challenge, particularly in younger patients. Tendon transfers (TTs) have emerged as a joint-preserving surgical option. However, the clinical outcomes, failure rates, and complication profiles associated with different TTs remain incompletely defined. This systematic review evaluates outcomes across various TT techniques used to manage IRCTs. Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Emcare databases was conducted for studies involving adults with diagnosed IRCTs reporting patient-reported outcomes and failure rates following TT. Non-English studies, conference abstracts, case reports, and studies with <12 months follow-up were excluded. Descriptive summaries and pooled analyses were performed by tendon type. Results: Thirty studies (980 patients, 994 shoulders) were included. The mean patient age was 58.9 years, with a mean follow-up of 44.7 months. Latissimus dorsi (LD) transfers were most commonly reported. All tendon types showed significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes. Teres major transfers exhibited the highest Constant-Murley Score improvement (+40) and greatest pain reduction (VAS-5.6), although based on a single study. Failure rates ranged from 4.2% to 14.1%. Conclusions: TTs improve pain and function in IRCTs. LD transfers remain the most widely used. Variability in techniques and outcomes highlights the need for standardized protocols and further high-quality research.
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