A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Functional Outcomes After Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer or Partial Arthroscopic Repair of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears

A massive tear of the rotator cuff is a debilitating condition that causes pain, significant impairments in strength, and resultant loss of activity of the affected arm. To our knowledge, there is no Level 1 evidence comparing surgical procedures to treat massive rotator cuff tears. Adding the first randomized controlled trial to will be a substantial contribution to the current body of evidence available in the subject of massive rotator cuff tears. Most studies found in the literature following patients with massive rotator cuff tears are retrospective, have small numbers of patients, offer no control group and do not adequately compare treatment methods.Moreover, there is no consensus from experts regarding which treatment is superior.

Our multicentre orthopaedic study group proposes a multicentre randomized clinical trial prospectively comparing latissimus dorsi tendon transfer to arthroscopic management for the treatment of massive rotator cuff tears. This study will include the use of comprehensive functional, motor and radiographic outcome assessments.