Massive rotator cuff tears are not easily repaired. To compensate for the loss of rotator cuff function, techniques such as muscle transfers are developed.
To determine why certain tendon transfers are mechanically more effective than other tendon transfers for the treatment of a massive rotator cuff tear.
Design: A tendon transfer procedure of latissimus dorsi, teres major or a combination of these two to the insertions of either teres minor, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, or subscapularis is simulated using a biomechanical musculoskeletal model of the upper extremity.
On the basis of mechanical parameters such as moment arms, muscle length and force it can be concluded that a tendon transfer of the teres major to the supraspinatus insertion will produce the best functional outcome in the treatment of massive rotator cuff tears.
Relevance: To find biomechanical evidence for an optimal tendon transfer that will lead to improved treatment of patients with a massive rotator cuff tear.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.
Massive rotator cuff tears are not easily repaired. To compensate for the loss of rotator cuff function, techniques such as muscle transfers are developed.
To determine why certain tendon transfers are mechanically more effective than other tendon transfers for the treatment of a massive rotator cuff tear.
Design: A tendon transfer procedure of latissimus dorsi, teres major or a combination of these two to the insertions of either teres minor, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, or subscapularis is simulated using a biomechanical musculoskeletal model of the upper extremity.
On the basis of mechanical parameters such as moment arms, muscle length and force it can be concluded that a tendon transfer of the teres major to the supraspinatus insertion will produce the best functional outcome in the treatment of massive rotator cuff tears.
Relevance: To find biomechanical evidence for an optimal tendon transfer that will lead to improved treatment of patients with a massive rotator cuff tear.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.