Modified L’Episcopo Tendon Transfers for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: 5-year Followup

Patients with posterosuperior cuff tears lose functional external rotation of the shoulder. Latissimus dorsi and teres major transfer is performed to restore external rotation. Twenty patients with a mean age was 55.8 ± 6 years underwent this procedure and were examined at averages of 24.7 (n = 17) and 70.6 (n = 13) months. Two patients did not improve presumably because of failure of the transfer. The Constant and Murley score increased from 55.6 to 90.4 after 2 years and to 87.9 after 5 years. The mean active flexion increased from 119.4° to 169.3° and reached 170° after 5 years, and mean external rotation increased from 12° to 35°, finally reaching 23°. The grade of cuff arthritis progressed from initially Grade 1 in 17% and Grade 2 in 28% to Grade 2 in 8%, Grade 3 in 69%, and Grade 4 in 15% at final followup. The acromiohumeral distance increased from 4.5 mm to 6 mm and decreased to 3.8 mm after 5 years. Electromyographic analysis showed activity during isometric internal and external rotation in the transferred muscle in all patients. The L’Episcopo procedure can restore shoulder function, but cuff arthropathy may progress.