NCT06258278

Clinical Results of Arthroscopic-Assisted Lower Trapezius Tendon Transfer for Massive, Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 25 (actual)
• Sponsor: Gazi University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 75 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study aimed to describe a modified technique for arthroscopic-assisted transfer of the lower trapezius tendon in a selected group of patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears and to evaluate its short-term results.

Detailed description

Patients scheduled for surgery will undergo evaluation one day before the surgical procedure and again at the six-month postoperative mark. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), while shoulder function will be evaluated using both the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score and the Constant-Murley Shoulder Score. Scapular dyskinesis was assessed using visual observation based on the Kibler classification.

Conditions

• Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Arthroscopic-assisted lower trapezius tendon transfer surgery	The procedure, conducted under general anesthesia, starts with diagnostic arthroscopy followed by excision of the posterior bursa and preparation of the rotator cuff footprint. Attention then shifts to harvesting the low trapezius tendon, accessed through a 10cm incision over the spina scapula. The tendon is detached, dissected, and released from adhesions, ensuring not to damage its pedicle. A fascia lata graft is harvested from the ipsilateral thigh and sutured to the low trapezius tendon in a continuous, locking manner to aid fixation on the humeral head. A subdeltoid tunnel is formed, and the graft is shuttled into the subacromial space and fixed at the bicipital groove and tuberculum majus with knotless anchors. The stability of fixation and mobility of the low trapezius muscle are verified, and the graft and tendon are sutured together with tension, with the arm held in 90° abduction and maximum external rotation.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-10-01
• Primary completion: 2025-12-30
• Completion: 2026-06-30
• First posted: 2024-02-14
• Last updated: 2026-04-15

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)