Rationale: Adequate stability of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation without any obvious damage to the anterior capsulolabral structure in elderly patients can be achieved by treating the associated rotator cuff injuries. However, in case of recurrent shoulder dislocation despite rotator cuff repair, the repaired rotator cuff may be weakened or reruptured and is often impossible to repair again. Therefore, the role of the rotator cuff as a shoulder stabilizer cannot be expected. Even if the anterior joint capsule is left, it is too weak to imbrication either. An additional anterior structural reconstruction that can replace the rotator cuff and capsule is needed to prevent recurrence.
Patient concerns: A 59-year-old man visited our clinic because of traumatic anterior dislocation of the right shoulder combined with anterior-superior rotator cuff tear. Because there was no obvious anterior capsulolabral injury, he underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair only. Postoperative rehabilitation was maintained; however, anterior shoulder dislocation recurred 10 months postoperatively.
Diagnosis: Physical examination revealed anterior instability in abduction and external rotation of the shoulder joint. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested retear of the repaired anterior-superior rotator cuff and Hill-Sachs lesion of the humeral head.
Interventions: Diagnostic arthroscopy was performed. The reruptured rotator cuff seemed impossible to repair; thus, arthroscopic remplissage procedure was performed for engaging the Hill-Sachs lesion. In addition, open pectoralis major tendon transfer for anterior stabilization was performed via the deltopectoral approach.
Outcomes: At the 12-month follow-up, the patient showed good clinical outcomes, including internal rotation of the shoulder joint without recurrent instability.
Lesson: Recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation after primary surgery in the elderly may be a challenging situation for surgeons. In patients with irreparable anterior rotator cuff tear and for whom reconstruction of the anterior glenoid is not indicated, pectoralis major tendon transfer is a good treatment option for satisfactory clinical outcomes without recurrence.