Lat Dorsi & Lower Trap Transfer
Latissimus Dorsi & Lower Trapezius Transfer in Bengaluru at VijaySheela Sports-Orthopedics Clinic
At VijaySheela Sports-Orthopedics Clinic, Bengaluru, Dr. Vijay Girish performs Latissimus Dorsi and Lower Trapezius Tendon Transfers for patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears or severe shoulder weakness. These advanced reconstructive procedures restore shoulder function, strength, and stability when direct tendon repair is not possible, helping patients regain active movement and return to daily and athletic activities.
What is Latissimus Dorsi & Lower Trapezius Transfer?
Latissimus Dorsi and Lower Trapezius Transfers are specialized surgical procedures designed to restore shoulder movement by redirecting nearby functional muscles to replace the damaged rotator cuff tendons. The Latissimus Dorsi transfer uses a back muscle to aid shoulder rotation and elevation, while the Lower Trapezius transfer provides strong external rotation and stability to the shoulder joint. These tendon transfers are particularly effective for patients with massive, irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears.
The surgery involves reattaching the transferred tendon to the humeral head (upper arm bone) using anchors or grafts. This restores balance to the shoulder, allowing patients to lift their arms, rotate the shoulder externally, and perform functional movements with less pain and improved control. Physiotherapy plays a critical role post-surgery to retrain the transferred muscle for its new function.
At VijaySheela Sports-Orthopedics Clinic, the procedure is performed using minimally invasive and microsurgical techniques where possible. Each treatment plan is customized based on the patient’s muscle strength, shoulder anatomy, and level of activity to ensure optimal recovery and long-term shoulder stability.
Benefits of Latissimus Dorsi & Lower Trapezius Transfer
These tendon transfers provide excellent functional recovery for patients with massive rotator cuff injuries. The main benefits include:
- Restores active shoulder elevation and external rotation in cases of irreparable rotator cuff tears.
- Reduces chronic shoulder pain and improves overall joint stability.
- Enhances shoulder strength and range of motion for improved daily activity and athletic function.
- Preserves native shoulder joint anatomy and delays or avoids joint replacement in younger patients.
- Provides a durable and stable reconstruction with long-term functional improvement.
Recovery and Outcomes
- Early recovery focuses on protecting the repaired tendon and maintaining gentle passive range of motion.
- A structured physiotherapy program begins after initial healing to retrain the transferred muscle for its new role.
- Most patients regain significant function within 3–6 months, with strength improving progressively over 9–12 months.
- Return to sports or overhead activities is generally possible after complete rehabilitation and muscle adaptation.
- Long-term outcomes are highly successful, with improved shoulder control, reduced pain, and enhanced quality of life.
Latissimus Dorsi and Lower Trapezius Transfers at VijaySheela Sports-Orthopedics Clinic, Bengaluru are performed with precision and patient-focused care. Dr. Vijay Girish combines advanced surgical techniques with evidence-based rehabilitation strategies to help patients regain strength, restore mobility, and achieve long-term shoulder function.