Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42226777›Full record

ArticleClinics in orthopedic surgery2026

Broken Transverse Force Coupling as a Predictor of Poor Prognosis after Lower Trapezius Tendon Transfer.

Hsien-Hao Chang, Yong-Min Chun, Sung-Jae Kim, Tae-Hwan Yoon

Abstract read
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Article in Clinics in orthopedic surgery, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Hsien-Hao ChangDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1858-5863
Yong-Min ChunDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Arthroscopy and Joint Research Institute, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8147-6136
Sung-Jae KimDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Arthroscopy and Joint Research Institute, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8357-3426
Tae-Hwan YoonDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Arthroscopy and Joint Research Institute, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2859-5240

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Backgroud: Lower trapezius transfer (LTT) has emerged as a promising surgical option for irreparable posterosuperior massive rotator cuff tears (PSMRCTs), particularly for restoring external rotation and improving shoulder function. The transverse force couple, formed by the balanced action of the subscapularis anteriorly and the infraspinatus and teres minor posteriorly, is essential for maintaining shoulder stability and kinematics. However, outcomes remain variable, and predictors of suboptimal recovery are not fully understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiologic outcomes following LTT in patients with irreparable PSMRCTs and to identify prognostic factors associated with achieving clinically meaningful improvement. Methods: This retrospective study included 44 patients who underwent LTT between June 2022 and February 2024. Functional outcomes were assessed at 12 months using visual analog scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Subjective Shoulder Value, University of California at Los Angeles scores, and active range of motion (ROM). Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging was performed at 6 months following surgery to evaluate repair integrity. The primary outcome was Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS). Patients were categorized into PASS-Y (yes) or PASS-N (no) groups. Multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of PASS failure. Results: Of 44 patients, 32 (72.7%) achieved PASS. The PASS-Y group demonstrated significantly superior improvements in pain, functional scores, and ROM compared with the PASS-N group. Tear of the transferred tendon was observed in 13.6% (6 / 44) and was significantly more common in the PASS-N group than in the PASS-Y group (33.3% [4 / 12] and 6.3% [2 / 32], respectively; Conclusions: The most significant finding of this study is that disruption of transverse force coupling-whether due to tear of the transferred graft or failure of the repaired subscapularis tendon-negatively impacts clinical outcomes of LTT. Therefore, careful consideration is warranted in cases with a high risk of subscapularis tendon retear.

Indexed as

Rotator Cuff InjuriesSuperficial Back MusclesTendon TransferAgedFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedPrognosisRange of Motion, ArticularRetrospective StudiesLower trapezius transferRotator cuff tearSubscapularisTransverse force couple

Identifiers

PMID42226777
PMCPMC13220012

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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.