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An irreparable rotator cuff tear causes substantial pain and limits functioning for many individuals. When traditional treatments do not provide any relief, surgery is considered. Among various surgical options, tendon transfer is becoming popular as one of the best therapeutic solutions for treating irreparable rotator cuff tears. This approach can ease pain, enhance shoulder functioning and increase the overall quality of life for those suffering from this issue with rotator cuff tear.

How tendon transfer helps in irreparable rotator cuff tears?

The rotator cuff includes a group of four different tendons surrounding the shoulder joint, keeping it stable and enabling movement. Irreparable rotator cuff tear happens when damage occurs in one or more than one tendon and can’t be repaired because of bad tissue quality or any other reason.

A tendon transfer is a type of surgery where the damaged tendon is replaced with a healthy tendon, along with muscles, for restoring function. In case of irreparable rotator cuff tears, tendon transfer supports and stabilizes the shoulder joint.

Different aspects of tendon transfer procedure for irreparable rotator cuff tear

Selection of tendon

Choosing a tendon for transferring is an important step. Some of the most common tendons for transferring irreparable rotator cuff tears are the latissimus dorsi tendons in the back or the one in the chest, called the pectoralis major. The chosen tendon must be strong and flexible, with the required length for carrying out the needed function. Here are some kinds of tendon transfer and the purpose they serve:

• Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer: It is used in posterosuperior irreparable rotator cuff tears that involve tendons like supraspinatus and infraspinatus.
• Pectoralis major tendon transfer: This tendon transfer is used in the case of anterosuperior irreparable rotator cuff tears involving subscapularis and supraspinatus tendons.
• Tendon transfer involving pectoralis major and teres major: In some cases of anterosuperior rotator cuff tears, transfer of both pectoralis major tendon and Teres major tendon is done. Here the aim is to improve the functioning of the subscapularis muscle.

Surgery

In this step, the surgeon will make a small incision in the shoulder region to assess the damaged and healthy tendons to be replaced. Then the healthy tendon is cut off from its attachment and replaced to bridge the gap formed by the damaged tendon.

Fixing tendon

The tendon positioned in place of the damaged tendon is fixed to the bone by using special surgical equipment like screws or anchors. With time, the body’s natural healing incorporates the new tendon with the bone.

Recovery

After surgery, a wide-ranging recovery program is required to achieve desired results. Therapies include restoration of strength, movement, and function; in the meantime, the relocated tendon heals and adapts.

Benefits of tendon transfer for irreparable rotator cuff

A person suffering from rotator cuff tears gets several benefits from tendon transfer surgery:

Alleviates pain

The tendon transfer method stabilizes the shoulder joint and restores the required mechanics, alleviating pain.

Increased function

Tendon transfer helps restore the shoulder’s motion and strength, allowing the concerned person to carry out all activities and maintain a normal life.

Prevents degeneration

Tendon transfer also assists in preventing shoulder degeneration by resolving the instability created by irreparable rotator cuff tear.

Conclusion

A tendon transfer is one of the best solutions for people suffering from rotator cuff tears. But at the same time, it is vital to remember that a proper evaluation by an orthopedician is required before tendon transfer because not all cases of rotator cuff tear need surgical treatment. These new techniques and methodologies offer hope for people seeking treatments for different ailments.

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