ArticleJournal of orthopaedics and traumatology : official journal of the Italian Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology2026
Does latissimus dorsi tendon transfer provide a normal scapular rhythm and external rotation strength in posterosuperior massive irreparable rotator cuff tears? A kinematic analysis in a retrospective cohort.
Article in Journal of orthopaedics and traumatology : official journal of the Italian Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
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.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
No citing paper in PubMed yet.
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
10 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundPosterosuperior massive irreparable rotator cuff tears (PMIRT) are rare and disabling conditions. When conservative treatment fails, latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) is a viable surgical option for symptom relief in carefully selected patients. However, its effectiveness in restoring glenohumeral function and its influence on scapulothoracic rhythm remain subjects of ongoing debate. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of LDTT and assess its impact on scapulothoracic rhythm using kinematic and electromyographic analysis. MATERIAL AND
methodsA total of 18 patients with PMIRT underwent LDTT. Functional scores consisted of Constant-Murley score (CMS), America Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score. Electromyography (EMG) activity of the latissimus dorsi muscle was evaluated in conjunction with three-dimensional (3D) kinematic tracking system. Differences in external rotation strength were compared with and without active adduction.
resultsThe mean age was 55.9 years (range 40-69 years), with a mean follow-up of 20.4 months (range 6-39 months). At final follow-up, the mean CMS was 68.2 (95% CI 64.9-71.5), ASES was 76.9 (95% CI 66.1-87.6), and QuickDASH was 17.6 (95% CI 9.5-25.6). A significant difference in external rotation strength was observed with and without active adduction (p < .0005). EMG confirmed latissimus dorsi activation in all patients, with no significant differences between rotation conditions (p > .05). Kinematic analysis showed an overall normal scapulothoracic rhythm, with significant differences only in scapular tilting during elevation and external rotation with the shoulder in adduction (p = 0.044 and p = 0.023, respectively).
conclusionsLDTT provides satisfactory clinical outcomes in patients with PMIRT, enhancing external rotation strength when the latissimus dorsi is actively recruited and contributing to near-normal scapulothoracic rhythm restoration. A structured, targeted postoperative rehabilitation protocol is essential to optimize outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.
Indexed as
Identifiers
What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.