Variants of latissimus dorsi with a perspective on tendon transfer surgery: an anatomic study

Abstract

Background: The latissimus dorsi (LD) is often used for tendon transfers to treat massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. The operation requires the LD tendon to be mobilized to reduce tension on the tendon. In that respect, any connection between the LD tendon and contiguous muscles may hamper tendon mobility and affect the surgical outcome. The goal of this study was to document the occurrence of connections between the LD and adjacent muscles and nerves.

Methods: We studied the scapular region on 48 embalmed cadavers. The skin and superficial fascia were removed according to Cunningham's manual of dissection, and the muscle was exposed.

Results: It was found that the LD and teres major (TM) muscles are connected by muscle fibers in 10% of the cadavers studied. Another vital discovery was that in some cadavers, the LD tendon was penetrated by a nerve.

Conclusion: Fascial connections between the LD and TM are well known, but these muscle links are comparatively unusual. From the results of this study, one should pay particular attention to muscle links between the LD and TM during dissection of the LD for transfer. It can also be suggested that during transfer surgery, the LD tendon should be cautiously examined for the possibility of a nerve penetrating it.

Keywords: Latissimus dorsi; muscle link; rotator cuff tear; shoulder injury repair; tendon transfer surgery; teres major.