Association of Arthroscopically-Assisted Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer with Implantation of a Subacromial Balloon Spacer for Patients with Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears

Purpose. Massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears in an active population, resulting in a pseudo-paralytic shoulder, pose a challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. In an effort to avoid or delay arthroplasty surgery, other surgical strategies such as arthroscopically-assisted latissimus dorsi transfer (aLDT) or the implantation of a subacromial spacer (SAS) can be considered. The aim of the present study is to associate, for the first time, these two surgical procedures in order to demonstrate the surgical feasibility and the effectiveness of their synergistic biomechanical effect. Methods. The study group consisted of patients who underwent aLDT for a massive irreparable poste…