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Biomechanical analysis of tendon transfers for irreparable rotator cuff tears

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Tendon transfer for irreparable cuff tear

Part of the book series: Collection GECO ((GECO,volume 1))

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Abstract

Musculo—endinous transfers (MTTs) to treat massive irreparable rotator cuff tears have been proposed since the eighties (1) and are still the subject of considerable interest in the recent literature (2–29). A musculo—tendinous transfer is that procedure in which the tendon of insertion of a normal “donor” muscle with blood and nerve supply intact is divided and reinserted into a bony part or into another tendon (with or without intercalated tendon graft) to supplement or substitute for the action of a non—functioning “recipient” muscle. Before their use in the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears, MTT were routinely used to treat muscle palsies. When dealing with irreparable rotator cuff tears, the idea is to provide a new structurally normal muscle with proper vector and torque for restoring the lost function.The application of several fundamental biomechanical principles is essential for a successful MTT (30). Corrections of joint contracture, expandable donor, good local tissues, no tension on the neurovascular pedicle in any position, and one tendon—one function are well—known principles. In addition to these principles, the MTT must be sufficiently strong and have enough amplitude of tendon excursion to perform its new function in its altered position. This means that biomechanical properties (architecture and power) of transferred muscle(s) should be adequate. Ideally potential excursion and power of MTT should match those of the non—functioning recipient muscle(s).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Herriot Hospital, 5, Place d’Arsonval, 69437, Lyon Cedex 03, France

    G. Herzberg (Head of Shoulder and Elbow Unit), E. Berthonnaud (Engineer — Shoulder and Elbow Unit) & J. Dimnet (Engineer — Shoulder and Elbow Unit)

  2. Shoulder and Elbow Unit, Herriot Hospital, 5, Place d’Arsonval, 69437, Lyon Cedex 03, France

    O. Schoierer & J.—P. Urien

Authors
  1. G. Herzberg
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  2. O. Schoierer
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  4. J. Dimnet
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  5. J.—P. Urien
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Herzberg, G., Schoierer, O., Berthonnaud, E., Dimnet, J., Urien, J. (2011). Biomechanical analysis of tendon transfers for irreparable rotator cuff tears. In: Tendon transfer for irreparable cuff tear. Collection GECO, vol 1. Springer, Paris. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-2-8178-0049-3_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-2-8178-0049-3_1

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