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Level of Evidence: IV., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: For children with upper brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI; C5, C6, ±C7 roots), most clinics first recommend nonsurgical treatment followed by primary and/or secondary surgical interventions in selected patients. Since 2008, we have used an infant shoulder repositioning protocol (supination-external rotation [Sup-ER]) designed to prevent shoulder internal rotation contracture and its potential effects on the shoulder joint. This study characterizes our clinic's current choice, number, and timing of primary and secondary procedural interventions (including Botox) and compares Sup-ER protocol patients with those of our historical controls., Methods: The records of all patients with upper BPBI who underwent procedures from 2001 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed and grouped into a historical (2001-2007, n = 20) and recent (2008-2018, n = 23) cohort. Patient demographics, procedure types and timing, and functional outcomes were collected and analyzed., Results: Since the 2008 institution of the Sup-ER protocol, fewer brachial plexus exploration and grafting (BPEG) surgeries were performed and none in later infancy, where nerve transfers were preferred. There were more and earlier Botox injections. There were fewer tendon transfers, and the preoperative indications were from a higher level of function., Conclusions: We now see fewer indications for BPEG surgeries overall. After the 3-month-age group, more direct nerve transfers are indicated instead of the BPEG surgery if nerve surgery is required at all. Shoulder tendon transfer rates have decreased. Humeral osteotomies are not seen in our recent group. Glenoid osteotomies within tendon transfers are rare in both groups., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Extensor pollicis longus (EPL) rupture and tenosynovitis of the third dorsal compartment is often described in association with a history of rheumatoid arthritis or in the setting of a distal radius fracture. However, the literature suggests multiple other potential factors that may lead to a seemingly spontaneous rupture., Methods: We performed a systematic review following guidelines set forth by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. The search consisted of headings and keywords related to tendon injuries, tendinopathy, hand surgery, tendon transfer, and injections, as published in reports and studies. Citations were screened by title and abstract against predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria by 2 independent reviewers, with a third reviewer resolving discrepancies. To be eligible, articles had to meet the following inclusion criterion: describe cases of spontaneous EPL rupture or tenosynovitis of the third dorsal compartment. The exclusion criterion was any history of distal radius fracture or rheumatoid arthritis., Results: We identified 29 articles that met the inclusion criterion., Conclusions: A myriad of prodromal events or predisposing factors ultimately led to EPL rupture or tenosynovitis of the third compartment. Methods of reconstruction described included primary repair, tendon grafting, and tendon transfer techniques; all with generally good outcomes. These results highlight the inherent fragility of this tendon and support the historical recommendation for early release of the EPL tendon in the setting of tenosynovitis of the third dorsal compartment., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Irreparable anterosuperior rotator cuff tears (IASRCTs) present significant challenges, especially in young, active patients with limited joint-preserving options. Recently, latissimus dorsi (LD) transfer and combined latissimus dorsi and teres major (LDTM) transfer have gained attention as a potential surgical option. We aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of LD versus combined LDTM transfer in IASRCTs., Methods: In this retrospective comparative study, 53 patients with IASRCTs were analyzed after undergoing either LD transfer attached to lesser tuberosity (LT) (LD group, n = 23) or combined LDTM transfer attached to greater tuberosity (GT) (LDTM group, n = 30). Clinical evaluations included the visual analog scale score for pain, active shoulder range of motion (ROM), University of California Los Angeles Shoulder Score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, activities of daily living that require active internal rotation (ADLIR) scores, and subscapularis (SSC)-specific examinations. Radiographic analyses involved assessing acromiohumeral distance (AHD), Hamada grade, the rate of anterior glenohumeral subluxation reduction, and integrity of the transferred tendon., Results: Postoperatively, both groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain and clinical scores ( p < 0.001). At the 2-year follow-up, the LDTM group showed superior internal rotation strength ( p < 0.001), ADLIR score ( p = 0.017), and SSC-specific physical examination results (belly-press, p = 0.027; bear-hug, p = 0.031; lift-off, p = 0.032). No significant changes in AHD or Hamada grade were observed in either group. At final follow-up, no significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of AHD ( p = 0.539) and Hamada grade ( p = 0.974). Although preoperative anterior glenohumeral subluxation was improved in both groups, the LDTM group showed a statistically significantly higher rate of restoration compared to the LD group ( p = 0.015)., Conclusions: While both LD and combined LDTM transfers for IASRCTs improved postoperative pain relief, clinical scores, and active ROM, the combined LDTM transfer attached to GT was superior to LD transfer attached to LT in terms of internal rotational strength, ADLIR score, and SSC-specific examinations. Neither group showed significant progress in cuff tear arthropathy or decreased AHD at 2-year follow-up; however, the combined LDTM transfer notably improved preoperative anterior glenohumeral subluxation., Competing Interests: CONFLICT OF INTEREST: No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported., (Copyright © 2024 by The Korean Orthopaedic Association.)

Background: Stiff knee gait is characterized by a reduced peak knee flexion during swing. Overactivity of the rectus femoris is often cited as a main cause for stiff knee gait. Little is known about the effect of an isolated rectus femoris transfer treatment on kinematic and functional outcomes in a group of stroke survivors., Objective: To perform an experimental study to evaluate the effect of an isolated rectus femoris transfer on knee and hip kinematics and functional outcomes in adult stroke patients walking with a stiff knee gait., Method: In this experimental study, 10 stroke survivors were included. During the surgical procedure, the distal rectus femoris tendon of the affected side was transferred to the medial knee flexors to improve knee flexion during swing. Knee and hip kinematics and a variety of functional outcomes were measured within 3 weeks before surgery and between 6 and 7 months after the surgery., Results: We found a statistically significant improvements in peak knee flexion during swing and knee range of motion of 10.6° (sd 4.7, p=0.000) and 10.5° (sd 6.2, p=0.001) post-surgery, respectively. Hip kinematics showed no significant differences. In addition, we found statistically significant improvements on the 6-minute walk test (42.5, sd 36.7, p=0.008), 10-meter walk test (1.26, sd 1.4, p=0.030), Timed up-and-go test (1.34, sd 1.18, p=0.009), L-test (2.97 sd 2.85, p=0.014) and on a subjective BORG scoring of foot clearance (1.8, sd 0.6, p=0.006). No significant differences were found on other measured functional outcomes., Conclusions: Rectus femoris transfer is a valuable treatment option for stroke patients walking with a stiff knee gait to improve knee kinematics and a selection of functional outcomes. There are no detrimental side effects on hip kinematics., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest All authors have read and approved the submitted original research article. The authors declares that there is no conflict of interest. All authors were fully involved in the study and preparation of the manuscript., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: Achilles tendon ruptures that are older than 4-6 weeks or developed over a more extended period are chronic. Two challenges characterize the treatment. First, defect zones over a length of several centimeters must frequently be bridged. Second, a prolonged loss of function of the muscles leads to an irreversible fatty degeneration of the tissue. So that even if the tendon is restored, significant functional deficits remain. If there are doubts about the ability of the calf muscles to regenerate, regardless of the size of the defect, tendon transfers are recommended to use the power of an additional muscle to support the plantar flexion of the ankle., Treatment: Established concepts are the transposition of the flexor hallucis longus or the peroneus brevis muscle. If the muscle is intact, defects of up to 2 cm can be treated with a direct suture. Defects between 2 and 5 cm can be bridged using a VY-plasty or a turndown flap. For larger defects, free tendon transplants can be considered. The technical alternative for larger defects is a tendon transfer of the flexor hallucis longus or the peroneus brevis muscle. Besides bridging the defect, another advantage of tendon transfer is that vital muscle tissue is placed in the bed of the Achilles tendon. Both tendons are covered with muscle tissue over nearly the full length, which offers advantages, especially in patients with critical soft tissue or after infection., Follow-Up Treatment and Prognosis: Follow-up treatment is analogous to an acute Achilles tendon rupture. However, permanent impairments are possible; 75-80% of athletes regain their original performance level., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Upper extremity peripheral nerve injuries present functional deficits that are amenable to management by tendon or nerve transfers. The principles of tendon and nerve transfers are discussed, with technical descriptions of preferred tendon and nerve transfers for radial, median, and ulnar nerve injuries., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors have nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Free functional muscle transfers restore voluntary motion in extremities following the loss of local muscle-tendon units. Surgeons, at various levels of expertise, need to consider several technical aspects when performing this procedure. Successful and consistent outcomes can be attained by applying a combination of basic principles, drawing from techniques developed for successful tendon transfers and microsurgical free tissue transfers. Patient preparation through counseling and intensive rehabilitation is essential to achieve the optimal conditions before the transfer., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors declare that there are no relevant financial or nonfinancial competing interests to report., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Opposition is an essential function of the human thumb to enable fine pinch and grip strength. Loss of opposition can be caused by both congenital and acquired pathology resulting in significant disability. This systematic review aims to compare the different techniques available to restore opposition. A systematic review of opponensplasty techniques was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines using PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Web of Science. Studies published in English before April 2021 and that reported on original outcomes of opponensplasty techniques used in the context of neurologic dysfunction were eligible for inclusion. A total of 641 articles were included, of which 42 texts were eligible for inclusion with a total cohort of 873 patients. The most commonly used transfers were palmaris longus (PL), extensor indicis proprius (EIP), and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS). These transfers all demonstrated an improvement in range of motion, pinch strength, and Kapandji scores. Complication rates of 19% and 12% were reported with FDS and EIP transfers, respectively, predominantly related to donor site morbidity. A complication rate of 6% was observed with PL transfers, which was most commonly related to bowstringing. Heterogeneity of outcomes precluded a direct statistical comparison. There is significant heterogeneity in the literature reporting on opponensplasty techniques. There is limited capacity of direct comparison; however, FDS and EIP appear to demonstrate better functional outcomes, at the cost of higher complication rates. Each technique has specific complications and advantages and importance in patient counseling and discussion. Further prospective comparative studies are warranted., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Peripheral nerve lesions of the upper extremity are common and are associated with devastating limitations for the patient. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of the lesion by electroneurography, neurosonography, or even MR neurography is important for treatment planning. There are different therapeutic approaches, which may show individual differences depending on the injured nerve. If a primary nerve repair is not possible, several strategies exist to bridge the gap. These may include autologous nerve grafts, bioartificial nerve conduits, or acellular nerve allografts. Tendon and nerve transfers are also of major importance in the treatment of nerve lesions in particular with long regeneration distances. As a secondary reconstruction, in addition to tendon transfers, there is also the option for free functional muscle transfer. In amputations, the prevention of neuroma is of great importance, for which different strategies exist, such as target muscle reinnervation, regenerative peripheral nerve interface, or neurotized flaps. In this article, we give an overview of the latest methods for the therapy of peripheral nerve lesions., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag France SAS, part of Springer Nature.)

Rotator cuff pathology is the main cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in older adults. When a rotator cuff tear involves the subscapularis tendon, the symptoms are usually more severe and the prognosis after surgery must be guarded. Isolated subscapularis tears represent 18% of all rotator cuff tears and arthroscopic repair is a good alternative primary treatment. However, when the tendon is deemed irreparable, tendon transfers are the only option for younger or high-functioning patients. The aim of this review is to describe the indications, biomechanical principles, and outcomes which have been reported for tendon transfers, which are available for the treatment of irreparable subscapularis tears. The best tendon to be transferred remains controversial. Pectoralis major transfer was described more than 30 years ago to treat patients with failed surgery for instability of the shoulder. It has subsequently been used extensively to manage irreparable subscapularis tendon tears in many clinical settings. Although pectoralis major reproduces the position and orientation of the subscapularis in the coronal plane, its position in the axial plane - anterior to the rib cage - is clearly different and does not allow it to function as an ideal transfer. Consistent relief of pain and moderate recovery of strength and function have been reported following the use of this transfer. In an attempt to improve on these results, latissimus dorsi tendon transfer was proposed as an alternative and the technique has evolved from an open to an arthroscopic procedure. Satisfactory relief of pain and improvements in functional shoulder scores have recently been reported following its use. Both pectoralis minor and upper trapezius transfers have also been used in these patients, but the outcomes that have been reported do not support their widespread use., Competing Interests: J. L. Ávila Lafuente reports consulting fees, support for attending meetings and/or travel, and payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus, manuscript writing or educational events from Smith & Nephew, unrelated to this article. B. Elhassan reports royalties or licenses, consulting fees, payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus, manuscript writing or educational events, and support for attending meetings and/or travel from DJO Global, unrelated to this article. A. Hachem reports consulting fees, and support for attending meetings and/or travel from Arthrex and Stryker, unrelated to this article. M. A. Ruiz Ibán reports institutional research grants, and individual speaker payments, from Smith & Nephew and Link, unrelated to this article., (© 2024 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.)

Aims: Favourable short-term outcomes have been reported following latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for patients with an irreparable subscapularis (SSC) tendon tear. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of this transfer in these patients., Methods: This was a retrospective study involving 30 patients with an irreparable SSC tear and those with a SSC tear combined with a reparable supraspinatus tear, who underwent a latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. Clinical scores and active range of motion (aROM), SSC-specific physical examination and the rate of return to work were assessed. Radiological assessment included recording the acromiohumeral distance (AHD), the Hamada grade of cuff tear arthropathy and the integrity of the transferred tendon. Statistical analysis compared preoperative, short-term (two years), and final follow-up at a mean of 8.7 years (7 to 10)., Results: There were significant improvements in clinical scores, in the range and strength of internal rotation and aROM compared with the preoperative values in the 26 patients (87%) who were available for long-term follow-up. These improvements were maintained between short- and long-term follow-ups. Although there was a decreased mean AHD of 7.3 mm (SD 1.5) and an increased mean Hamada grade of 1.7 (SD 0.5) at final follow-up, the rate of progression of cuff tear arthropathy remained low-grade. Comparison between the isolated SSC and combined SSC and reparable supraspinatus tear groups showed no significant differences. At final follow-up, one patient (3.8%) had undergone revision surgery to a reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). No neurological complications were associated with the procedure., Conclusion: Latissimus dorsi transfer for an irreparable SSC tendon tear resulted in a significant clinical improvement, particularly in pain, range and strength of internal rotation and aROM, which were maintained over a mean of 8.7 years following surgery. Given that this was a long-term outcome study, there was a low-grade progression in the rate of cuff tear arthropathy. Thus, the long-term clinical efficacy of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer in patients with irreparable SSC was confirmed as a joint-preserving procedure for these patients, suggesting it as an effective alternative to RSA in young, active patients without degenerative changes of the glenohumeral joint., Competing Interests: None declared., (© 2024 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.)

Background: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) with concurrent latissimus dorsi transfer (LDT) is a potential treatment option for restoration of external rotation (ER). Biomechanical studies have emphasized the importance of the insertion site location for achieving optimal outcomes. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to describe what insertion sites for LDT are utilized during concomitant RSA and their associated clinical outcomes., Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed per PRISMA guidelines. We queried PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases to identify articles reporting on patients who received RSA with LDT to restore ER and specified the site of tendon transfer insertion on the humerus. We first describe reported insertion sites in the literature. Secondarily, we present preoperative and postoperative range of motion and Constant score for different insertion sites as well as reported complications., Results: Sixteen studies, analyzed as 19 separate cohorts (by insertion site and tendon-transfer), reporting on 264 RSAs with LDT (weighted mean age 66 years, follow-up 39 months, 61% female) were evaluated. Of these, 143 (54%) included a concomitant teres major transfer (LDT/TMT) and 121 (46%) were LDT-only. Fourteen cohorts (14/19, 74%) reported insertion at the posterolateral aspect of the greater tuberosity, four cohorts (4/19, 21%) reported insertion site at the lateral bicipital groove, and one cohort (1/19, 5%) reported separate LDT and TMT with insertion of the TMT to the posterolateral aspect of the greater tuberosity and LDT to the lateral bicipital groove. Meta-analysis revealed no differences in range of motion or Constant score based on humeral insertion site or whether the LDT was transferred alone or with TMT. Leading complications included dislocation, followed by infection and neuropraxia. No discernible correlation was observed between postoperative outcomes and the strategies employed for tendon transfer, prosthesis design, or subscapularis management., Conclusion: The posterolateral aspect of the greater tuberosity was the most-utilized insertion site for LDT performed with RSA. However, in the current clinical literature, LDT with or without concomitant TMT result in similar postoperative ROM and Constant score regardless of insertion site. Analysis of various proposed transfer sites reinforce the ability of LDT with RSA to restore both FE and ER in patients with preoperative active elevation and external rotation loss. Meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in range of motion and Constant score regardless of humeral insertion site or whether the LDT was transferred alone or with TMT, although future studies are needed to determine whether an ideal tendon transfer technique exists., Level of Evidence: IV., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The aim of this project was to survey members of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) regarding the use of tibialis anterior tendon transfer (TATT) in the management of recurrent clubfoot with dynamic supination and no deformity. We aimed to assess which techniques for TATT are most utilized by pediatric orthopedists. As there has been no general consensus in the literature regarding best methods, we hypothesized that treatment methods would vary widely among POSNA members., Methods: The online survey, designed using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) survey software, consisted of 15 initial questions, some of which had conditional follow-up questions that appeared if the respondent selected a specific answer choice, with a potential total of 22 questions. The survey was approved by the Evidence Based Practice Committee of POSNA and distributed to their 1,370 members., Results: Only the responses of POSNA members who treated clubfoot and performed TATT were included in the analysis. The 228 survey respondents reached a consensus (75% agreement) on a small number of topics: use of the Ponseti treatment method for clubfoot (94%), transfer of the tibialis anterior tendon to the lateral cuneiform (77%), transfer of only the whole tibialis anterior tendon (79%), and the use of an ankle foot orthoses (94%) among those who reported using postoperative braces. However, the remaining survey questions revealed a marked amount of variability in the performance of TATT., Conclusions: Many of the questions garnered varied responses, which suggests differing opinions of POSNA members regarding how and when TATT should be performed for recurrent clubfoot with dynamic supination and no deformity. This is one of the first compilations of information about the treatment variations for TATT and may lead to further studies examining ways to standardize and optimize its use.

Flexor pollicis longus rupture is an uncommon but potentially debilitating complication after volar locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures, occurring secondary to tendon attrition against the implant. This nature of tendon injury typically precludes primary repair. This paper will illustrate 2 reconstruction techniques, an interpositional tendon graft and a tendon transfer, that have been utilized successfully by the authors., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest and Source of Funding: C.J.D. is on the editorial board for HSS Journal. R.P.C. is the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Hand Surgery. For the remaining authors none were declared., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Central and peripheral nervous system lesions may disrupt the intricate balance of the prime movers of the wrist. In spasticity, hyperactive wrist flexors create a flexion moment and, if untreated, can lead to flexion contractures. In patients with C6 spinal cord injury and tetraplegia, the posterior interosseus nerve is typically affected by a complex pattern of upper and/or lower motoneuron lesions causing radial deviation of the wrist due to loss of ulnar deviation actuators. In this report, we illustrate severe pathomechanics that may occur even with relatively modest changes in wrist balance. These results illustrate how thorough understanding of muscle-tendon-joint interaction aids in designing tendon and nerve reconstructive surgeries to normalize wrist positions and balance in neuromuscular conditions., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Cerebral palsy (CP) in upper limb produces functional, aesthetic and hygienic issues, and is not always amenable to surgical procedures. We are reporting a single-center, long follow-up experience with tendon transfer in wrist and forearm CP. The CP cases who had undergone tendon transfer in hand, wrist and forearm in a 14-year period were evaluated for change in motion, function and cosmetic appearance and also assessed by Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), and Dash (Disability of Arm, Shoulder, Hand) scores. Forty-two spastic CP patients with a mean age of 19.81 (10-34 years, SD: 5.36) years with a mean follow-up of 5.5 (2-14) years, entered the study. 24 cases were GMFCS I or II and 18 were III or IV. Supination beyond neutral was seen in 48.5%, and improvement in MACS scores in all the cases. Improved 'grasp' and 'release' and keyboard use was seen in 50%, 71% and 87% respectively. The satisfaction from appearance and improved function of 83-96% correlated positively with GMFSC, MACS and DASH scores. Noticeable improvement in personal hygienic care was seen in only 52% of cases. Tendon transfer in well-selected spastic upper extremity CP cases results in long-time improved function, and limb appearance - correlating with initial GMFCS and MACS scores., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Tibialis anterior tendon (TAT) transfer to the lateral cuneiform is commonly utilized to treat dynamic supination for relapsed clubfoot deformity. Traditional suture button fixation (SBF) may lead to skin necrosis at the button/skin interface. While interference screw fixation (ISF) would mitigate this concern, this fixation method has not been investigated in clubfoot patients. This study aims to investigate the performance of ISF versus SBF for TAT transfer in a cadaveric model. Ten matched pairs of cadaveric feet were obtained. One of each matched specimen underwent TAT transfer to the lateral cuneiform using ISF and the other underwent TAT transfer using SBF. For each ISF specimen, the tension of the transferred TAT required to bring the ankle to neutral was measured. This tension was then applied to both matched specimens using an MTS machine. Tension dissipation was measured after a 20-minute interval. In specimens with SBF, a load cell was positioned between the plantar skin and suture button to determine plantar skin pressure at the time of initial tension application. Average tension necessary to achieve neutral dorsiflexion was 49.4 N. Average tension dissipation after 20 min was significantly less in the IFS group (20 N versus 23.6 N, P  = 0.02). No fixation failures occurred in either group. Average plantar foot skin pressure was 196.5 mmHg at initial tension application, exceeding thresholds for tissue ischemia. ISF allows for tendon tensioning at forces beyond those expected to result in skin necrosis with SBF with less dissipation of tension over time., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Extensor indicis proprius (EIP) opponensplasty is one of the commonly used techniques to restore thumb abduction and opposition in patients with thenar muscle dysfunction from various causes of median nerve palsy. However, its subcutaneous route around the distal ulna may not represent a straight line of pull, and part of the extensor hood sometimes has to be harvested along with the EIP tendon to gain adequate length to reach the insertion. The purpose of the study is to present the alternative method of EIP opponensplasty and report the clinical outcomes. The modified EIP opponensplasty was performed on 16 patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome. At the final follow-up examination, all patients were able to regain their desired level of activities. The Kapandji score, abduction angle, and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score improved in all patients. There were no complications related to harvesting the EIP tendon. Two patients developed finger stiffness, which improved after rehabilitation. This technique is safe and effective for restoring thumb function and can solve the insufficient tendon length problem of the original EIP opponensplasty., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest and Source of Funding: The authors report no conflicts of interest and no source of funding., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Spastic wrist flexion deformities both limit the functional use of the hand for grasp and pinch producing a stigmatizing appearance. Tendon transfers and total wrist arthrodesis are treatment options for this condition depending on the patient's characteristics, the latter the most commonly used in patients with severe wrist flexion deformities. Tendon transfers alone in this scenario have the tendency for recurrent deformity due to tenorrhaphy failure or soft tissue creep and resultant loss of tension. Total wrist arthrodesis is a more invasive procedure, which can have hardware or fusion problems and that is irreversible. We propose a novel technique that incorporates a distally based wrist extensor tendon slip and suture tape tenodesis to the distal radius. The rationale of this technique is to act as a protective, internal splint to prevent recurrent deformity after primary or revision tendon transfer for moderate to severe spastic flexed wrist deformities, avoiding the need to perform a total wrist arthrodesis., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest and Source of Funding: The authors report no conflicts of interest and no source of funding., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Review the literature and describe the complications associated with each of the anterior tibial tendon transfer (ATTT) techniques described., Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed with the keywords ''clubfoot'', ''Ponseti'' and ''anterior tibial''. Studies in patients with clubfoot recurrence, who underwent ATTT, whose method of tendon fixation was different from the classical method, were included., Results: Six studies were included in this systematic review, which described multiple techniques for tibialis anterior fixation: bone anchors, interference screws, endobotton, K-wires, transosseous suture, and suture to the plantar fascia. In the papers that described postoperative complications, no major complications were reported, however the samples are generally small., Conclusion: Several options have now emerged for tendon fixation in tendon transfers around the foot and ankle, including ATTT for treatment of relapsed clubfoot. To our knowledge this is the first paper that questioned the potential complications associated with the use of these new techniques. Due to the scarcity of published works in favor of other fixation methods, we believe that the traditional method is the optimal one for the transfer of the tendon of the tibialis anterior muscle., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes after tendon transfers in the setting of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA)., Methods: PubMed and Embase were searched according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to find primary clinical studies of any type of tendon transfer in the setting of RTSA., Results: Overall, 17 studies (level of evidence [LOE] I: 1, LOE II: 0, LOE III: 3, LOE IV: 13) met inclusion criteria, with 300 shoulders. Most patients were female (56.7%), with an average age of 68.7 years (range 19 to 89) and a mean follow-up of 46.2 months (range 6 to 174). 11 studies reported outcomes after combined latissimus dorsi and teres major transfer (LDTM) while eight studies reported on latissimus dorsi transfer only (LD). Improvements in commonly reported subjective and functional outcome measures were as follows: external rotation +32° (LDTM) and +30° (LD), flexion +65° (LDTM) and +59° (LD), Visual Analog Score -5.4 (LDTM) and -4.5 (LD), subjective shoulder value +43.8% (LDTM) and +46.3% (LD), and overall Constant score +33.8 (LDTM) and +38.7 (LD). The overall complication rate was 11.3%, including tendon transfer ruptures (0.7%), instability (3.0%), infection (2.0%), and nerve injury (0.3%). The all-cause repeat operation rate was 7.3%, most commonly for arthroplasty revision (5.3%). Subgroup analysis revealed that lateralized implants with tendon transfer resulted in markedly greater improvements in Constant score, flexion, ER1, and ER2 while medialized implants with tendon transfer had markedly greater improvements in Visual Analog Score, subjective shoulder value, and abduction., Conclusion: Patients undergoing tendon transfer of either combined LDTM or latissimus dorsi alone in the setting of RTSA have markedly improved subjective and functional outcomes. A moderate incidence of complications (11.3%) was noted in this patient population., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.)

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of bilateral lateral rectus recession with vertical tendon transposition (LRVT) and LRVT combined with inferior oblique (IO) disinsertion for V-pattern exotropia., Methods: The medical records of patients who had mild-to-moderate (+1 and +2) inferior oblique overaction (IOOA) and underwent half-tendon-width upward LRVT (transposition group), and LRVT with IO disinsertion (combined surgery group) for V-pattern exotropia and who had at least 3 years of postoperative follow-up were reviewed retrospectively., Results: A total of 45 patients were included: 22 in the transposition group and 23 in the combined surgery group. Preoperatively, there were no differences in V pattern, IOOA, or horizontal misalignment in primary position, upgaze, or downgaze between groups. The amount of exotropia in the primary position was 30.2 Δ ± 10.7 Δ in the transposition group, and 31.6 Δ ± 14.1 Δ in the combined surgery group (P = 0.974). A significant decrease in V pattern was observed in the combined surgery group and the transposition group at 6 months and 3 years postoperatively (P < 0.001). The reduction of V pattern in the combined surgery group at 6 months (20.2 Δ ± 7.8 Δ vs 15.6 Δ ± 6.9 Δ [P = 0.02]) and 3 years (20.1 Δ ± 8.1 Δ vs 15.2 Δ ± 7.1 Δ [P = 0.014]) was found to be greater than the transposition group. There were no differences in the success rate in the primary position at 6 months (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: Both tendon transposition with horizontal rectus surgery and combined tendon transposition and IO-weakening surgery decreased V-pattern exotropia. However, combined surgery had a greater effect on decreasing V pattern in patients with mild-to-moderate IOOA., (Copyright © 2024 American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Distal nerve transfers can restore precise motor control in tetraplegic patients. When nerve transfers are not successful, tendon transfers may be used for subsequent reconstruction. In this case, an extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon transfer was used to restore thumb and finger flexion following an unsuccessful ECRB to anterior interosseous nerve transfer in a young tetraplegic patient. Twelve months following tendon transfer, the patient demonstrated functional grip and pinch strength and was using both hands for daily activities. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Checkrein deformity of the hallux is commonly characterized by rigid flexion of the interphalangeal joint in ankle dorsiflexion but with flexibility in ankle plantarflexion which can be named as flexion checkrein deformity and as rare condition, extension checkrein deformity, characterized by rigid extension of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in ankle plantarflexion and flexibility in ankle dorsiflexion, has been reported. However, there has not reported coexistence of flexion and extension checkrein deformity. The patient, a 27-year-old male, was referred to our department 3 years after tibial and fibular fractures which was treated by open reduction and internal fixation at a previous hospital. His chief complaint was pain and impaired plantarflexion of the affected great toe. The diagnosis was double checkrein deformity characterized by simultaneous rigidity in both flexion and extension of the hallux due to the adhesion of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) muscle and the extensor hallucis longus (EHL) tendon after a fracture. Surgical intervention was performed, which involved the transection of the FHL tendon using hindfoot endoscopy and transfer of the EHL to the extensor digitorum longus, resulting in a successful outcome with no postoperative complications. The patient demonstrated a favorable prognosis 2 years after the procedure. This report represents the first documented case of double checkrein deformity and underscores the importance of considering this condition and the potential advantages of surgical intervention.

Case: We present a 67-year-old woman with long finger extrinsic extensor tightness and a 56-year-old man with limited index finger flexion due to extrinsic extensor tightness secondary to tendon transfers for radial nerve palsy. Both patients underwent prior surgical procedures that led to limited range of motion (ROM). Subsequently, they elected for central tendon tenotomy (CTT), which demonstrated postoperative ROM improvement and satisfactory patient outcomes., Conclusion: Surgical management of extrinsic extensor tendon tightness of the hand is generally addressed by performing tenolysis to improve tendon excursion. We present a novel and simple technique of CTT with pertinent anatomy, descriptive cases, and a cadaveric video., Competing Interests: Disclosure: The Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest forms are provided with the online version of the article (http://links.lww.com/JBJSCC/C391)., (Copyright © 2024 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated.)

The complete loss of finger extension leads to significant inconvenience in daily life and often requires surgical treatment. Despite some disadvantages, the Boyes method, which uses the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon, is commonly performed for complete extensor rupture. We report the case of a 73-year-old woman living alone diagnosed with a subcutaneous rupture of all extensor tendons from the index to the little finger. The favourable range of motion of her wrist allowed us to perform extensor tenodesis. Additionally, the patient had a dislocated thumb interphalangeal (IP) joint, enabling us to use the extensor pollicis longus tendon for tendon transfer in combination with thumb IP joint fusion. The patient demonstrated favourable finger range-of-motion outcomes at the 6-month postoperative assessment. The case shows that extensor pollicis longus tendon transfer and tenodesis may be a viable treatment option for patients with complete extensor rupture accompanied by thumb IP joint deformity and normal wrist range of motion., (© Japan College of Rheumatology 2024. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site–for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Objective: This retrospective analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of Split Tibialis Anterior Tendon Transfer (Split TATT) in treating residual idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) deformities., Methods: 15 patients (20 feet) with CTEV, with a mean age of 6.4 ± 3.2 years, initially treated with Ponseti casting, underwent Split TATT. Clinical and radiological evaluations, including Diméglio and Garceau scores, dorsiflexion, and X-ray measurements, were conducted preoperatively and post-operatively at a minimum 2-year follow-up., Results: Significant improvements were observed in Diméglio and Garceau scores. Dorsiflexion increased by an average of 3°, and radiological analysis revealed nuanced changes. Despite a weak Kappa coefficient, positive trends in dorsiflexion and Garceau scores were noted. Preoperative Garceau scores did not reliably predict postoperative results., Conclusion: Split TATT demonstrates promising results in improving muscular balance and functional outcomes in CTEV. While radiological changes are subtle, positive trends in clinical scores indicate meaningful outcomes., Level of Evidence: IV Retrospective study., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag France SAS, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: To identify, describe and account for the incidence of spin in systematic reviews and meta-analyses of tendon transfer for the treatment of massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears. The secondary objective was to characterize the studies in which spin was identified and to determine whether identifiable patterns exist among studies with spin., Methods: This study was conducted per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Each abstract was assessed for the presence of the 15 most common types of spin derived from a previously established methodology. General data that were extracted included study title, authors, publication year, journal, level of evidence, study design, funding source, reported adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, preregistration of the study protocol, and methodologic quality per A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews Version 2 (AMSTAR 2)., Results: The search yielded 53 articles, of which 13 were included in the final analysis. Articles were excluded if they were not published in a peer reviewed journal, not written in English, utilized cadaveric or nonhuman models, or lacked an abstract with accessible full text. 53.8% (7/13) of the included studies contained at least 1 type of spin in the abstract. Type 5 spin ("The conclusion claims beneficial effect of the experimental treatment despite a high risk of bias in primary studies") was the most common, appearing in 23.1% (3/13) of included abstracts. Nine of the spin categories did not appear in any of the included abstracts. A lower AMSTAR 2 score was significantly associated with the presence of spin in the abstract (P < .006)., Conclusion: Spin is highly prevalent in the abstracts of systematic reviews and meta-analyses concerning tendon transfer for massive rotator cuff tears. A lower overall AMSTAR 2 rating was associated with a higher incidence of spin. Future studies should continue to explore the prevalence of spin in orthopedic literature and identify any factors that may contribute to its presence., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objective: To identify tendon transfer surgeries and postsurgical physical therapy interventions in people with massive rotator cuff (RC) tears., Methods: The literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro databases from inception to September 2022. Studies with patients diagnosed with massive RC tears undergoing tendon transfers that reported physical therapy interventions after surgery were included. Two reviewers pooled the data into ad hoc summary tables with the following information: authors, year, study characteristics (sample size, tendon transfer surgical used, approach type, preoperative risk, deficit addressed, additional surgical interventions), and physical therapy interventions (early stage, intermediate stage, and advanced stage)., Results: Forty-four articles (59.0% case series) were included, with a total sample of 1213 participants. The most frequently used surgery was the isolated tendon transfer of the latissimus dorsi (49.1%). Most of the studies reported three main stages of physical therapy interventions after tendon transfer surgery: early stage (lasting 5-6 weeks), intermediate stage (started at 7-12 weeks), and advanced stage (started at 12 weeks). Physical therapy interventions included passive, active-assisted, resisted therapeutic exercise, and hydrotherapy., Conclusions: The evidence regarding physical therapy interventions after RC tendon transfer surgery is limited to the number and duration of the stages and general characteristics without specifying the type and dose of the interventions. Future research with high methodological quality should integrate more detailed rehabilitation protocols to better guide therapeutic decisions after RC transfer surgery., (© 2023 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.)

Background: Congenital clasped thumb is associated with deficient thumb extensor tendons. Reconstruction includes tendon transfer. Here, we describe a variant of the abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendon, not previously reported, contributing to the flexion deformity. The purpose of this study is to report examples of and offer surgical repair techniques for APL variants identified in patients with clasped thumb., Methods: We reviewed records of 11 consecutive patients undergoing reconstruction for clasped thumb. Surgical anatomy of the APL tendon was evaluated in all patients, followed by release of aberrant APL attachments. Participants were invited to return for an in-person assessment with a certified hand therapist. Data were collected regarding intraoperative findings, surgical techniques for reconstruction, postoperative thumb motion, and patient and caregiver satisfaction., Results: Eleven children (12 thumbs) underwent aberrant APL release and rerouting between 2019 and 2021. Preoperatively, all thumbs were passively correctible to 0° of extension. In all patients, the APL was found to terminate palmar to the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, creating an MCP flexion moment when tensioned. The average age at surgery was 7 years (range: 1-15 years), and the average follow-up was 14.2 months (range: 1-21 months). The mean postoperative thumb radial abduction was 55° (range: 20°-75°)., Conclusions: When reconstructing clasped thumbs, surgeons should explore the presence of APL abnormalities. Release and centralization of the APL can improve thumb position and function. This technique may avoid the need for extra-anatomical tendon transfer in patients with clasped thumb., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Several studies have indicated that Camitz transfer for severe carpal tunnel does not adequately restore thumb opposition. The aim of this study was to determine whether modification of the distal insertion of the transferred palmaris longus tendon could provide more effective opposition. We used 12 fresh-frozen upper extremity specimens. For spatial analysis, we used a three-dimensional motion-tracking device. At 0 N and 5 N of traction force, the pronation angle was significantly larger for the modified procedure than for the conventional procedure. There was no significant difference in the palmar abduction angle between the two groups. The modified palmaris longus tendon insertion on the ulnar side of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint provides more effective thumb pronation than conventional Camitz opponensplasty in a cadaver model.    ., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Kousuke Iba is an endowed chair at the Department of Musculoskeletal Anti-aging Medicine, Sapporo Medical University.

Background: Although operative treatment of the flexible progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) remains controversial, correction of residual forefoot varus and stabilization of the medial column are important components of reconstruction. A peroneus brevis (PB) to peroneus longus (PL) tendon transfer has been proposed to address these deformities. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of an isolated PB-to-PL transfer on medial column kinematics and plantar pressures in a simulated PCFD (sPCFD) cadaveric model., Methods: The stance phase of level walking was simulated in 10 midtibia cadaveric specimens using a validated 6-degree of freedom robot. Bone motions and plantar pressure were collected in 3 conditions: intact, sPCFD, and after PB-to-PL transfer. The PB-to-PL transfer was performed by transecting the PB and advancing the proximal stump 1 cm into the PL. Outcome measures included the change in joint rotation of the talonavicular, first naviculocuneiform, and first tarsometatarsal joints between conditions. Plantar pressure outcome measures included the maximum force, peak pressure under the first metatarsal, and the lateral-to-medial forefoot average pressure ratio., Results: Compared to the sPCFD condition, the PB-to-PL transfer resulted in significant increases in talonavicular plantarflexion and adduction of 68% and 72%, respectively, during simulated late stance phase. Talonavicular eversion also decreased in simulated late stance by 53%. Relative to the sPCFD condition, the PB-to-PL transfer also resulted in a 17% increase ( P  = .045) in maximum force and a 45-kPa increase ( P  = .038) in peak pressure under the first metatarsal, along with a medial shift in forefoot pressure., Conclusion: The results from this cadaver-based simulation suggest that the addition of a PB-to-PL transfer as part of the surgical management of the flexible PCFD may aid in correction of deformity and increase the plantarflexion force under the first metatarsal., Clinical Relevance: This study provides biomechanical evidence to support the addition of a PB-to-PL tendon transfer in the surgical treatment of flexible PCFD., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. Disclosure forms for all authors are available online.

Background: Middle trapezius tendon (MTT) transfer has been suggested for promising treatment of irreparable isolated supraspinatus tendon tears (IISTTs). However, there have been no attempts to assess the biomechanical efficacy of MTT transfer. This study aims to evaluate the biomechanical efficacy of MTT transfer in the setting of IISTTs., Methods: Eight fresh frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested in 3 conditions: (1) intact rotator cuff, (2) IISTT, and (3) MTT transfer using Achilles allograft for IISTTs. Total humeral rotational range of motion (ROM), superior translation of the humeral head, and subacromial contact characteristics were measured at 0°, 20°, and 40° glenohumeral abduction (representing 0°, 30°, and 60° shoulder abduction). Superior translation and subacromial contact pressures were measured at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° external rotation (ER). Two different MTT muscle loading conditions were investigated. A linear mixed effects model and Tukey post hoc test were used for statistical analysis., Results: Total ROM was significantly increased after IISTT at 20° abduction (P = .037). There were no changes in total ROM following MTT transfer compared to the IISTT condition (P > .625 for all comparisons). The IISTT condition significantly increased superior translation compared to the intact rotator cuff condition in 0° and 20° abduction with all ER angles (P < .001), 40° abduction-30° ER (P = .016), and 40° abduction-60° ER (P = .002). MTT transfer significantly decreased superior translation of the humeral head at all abduction angles compared to the IISTT condition (P < .026). MTT transfer significantly decreased peak contact pressure by 638.7 kPa (normal loading) and 726.8 kPa (double loading) at 0° abduction-30° ER compared to the IISTT condition (P < .001). Mean contact pressure was decreased by 102.8 kPa (normal loading) and 118.0 kPa (double loading) at 0° abduction-30° ER (P < .001) and 101.0 kPa (normal loading) and 99.2 kPa (double loading) at 0° abduction-60° ER (P < .001). MTT transfer at 20° abduction-30° ER with 24 N loading significantly decreased contact pressure by 91.2 kPa (P = .035)., Conclusions: The MTT transfer biomechanically restored the superior humeral head translation and reduced the subacromial contact pressure in a cadaveric model of IISTT, while not restricting total ROM. These findings suggest that MTT transfer may have potential as a surgical treatment for IISTTs., (Copyright © 2023 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Nerve grafting, tendon transfer and joint fusion are routinely used to improve the upper limb function in patients with brachial plexus palsies. Newer techniques have been developed that provide additional options for reconstruction. Nerve transfer is a tool for restoring upper limb function in total root avulsions where nerve grafting is not possible. In partial brachial plexus injuries, nerve transfers can greatly improve shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand function. Intraoperative electrical stimulation can be used to diagnose precisely which nerve is injured and to choose which nerve fascicles should be transferred. Finally, measuring the postoperative outcome can improve the evaluation of our techniques. The aim of this article was to present the current techniques used to treat patients with brachial plexus injury., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

With the growing demand for physical activity, an increasing number of individuals with chronic Achilles tendon ruptures are opting for surgical intervention. Surgical approaches encompass end-to end anastomosis, tendon flap techniques, tendon transfer procedures, and free tendon grafting, among others. When selecting the appropriate surgical method and determining the surgical indications, it is imperative to consider factors like the length of the Achilles tendon defect, patient age, aesthetic preferences, functional requirements, and local tissue conditions. As medical devices evolve and surgical techniques advance, the criteria for surgical intervention are also evolving. Drawing from existing literature evidence, it becomes crucial to define reasonable parameters for addressing Achilles tendon defects with each surgical technique, aligning more closely with clinical needs. Additionally, auxiliary technologies such as biologic therapy and innovative biomaterials have demonstrated promising results in laboratory or animal models. The focal point of advancing these auxiliary technologies lies in facilitating the translation of pertinent clinical outcomes in the future.

Background: Early mobilization after tendon surgery is crucial to avoid commonly observed postoperative soft tissue adhesions. Recently, a new suture was introduced (DYNACORD; DC) with a salt-infused silicone core designed to minimize laxity and preserve consistent tissue approximation in order to avoid gap formation and allow early mobilization., Aims: To compare the biomechanical competence of DC against a conventional high strength suture (FiberWire; FW) in a human cadaveric tendon transfer model with an early rehabilitation protocol., Methods: Sixteen tendon transfers (flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) IV to flexor pollicis longus (FPL)) were performed in 8 pairs human cadaveric forearms using either DC or FW. Markings were set 0.8 cm proximally and 0.7 cm distally to the level of the interweaving zone of the transfer. All specimens underwent repetitive thumb flexion against resistance in 9 intermittent series of 300 cycles each, simulating an aggressive postoperative rehabilitation protocol. After each series, the distance of the proximal marker to the interweaving zone (proximal), the length of the interweaving zone (intermediate) and the distance of the distal marker to the interweaving zone (distal) were measured., Results: Pooled data over all nine series, normalized to the immediate postoperative status, demonstrated no significant differences between FW and DC (p ≥ 0.355) for the proximal and distal markers. However, at the intermediate zone, DC was associated with significant length shortening (p < 0.001) compared to FW without significant length changes (p = 0.351). Load to catastrophic failure demonstrated significant higher forces in FW (p = 0.011). Nevertheless, due to failure mainly proximal or distal of the transfer zone, these loads are not informative., Conclusion: From a biomechanical perspective, DC preserved tissue approximation and might be considered as a valid alternative to conventional high-strength sutures in tendon transfer surgery. DC might allow for a shorter interweaving zone and a more aggressive early postoperative rehabilitation program, possibly avoiding commonly observed postoperative soft tissue adhesions and stiffness., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objectives: A common orthopedic issue for patients with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) is hindfoot varus deformity. One method of treatment is the split posterior tibialis tendon transfer (SPOTT). There is limited literature on the effect of SPOTT on foot progression angle (FPA) in children with CP who have equinovarus deformities. The objective of our study was to evaluate the change in FPA after SPOTT to determine if this procedure can improve FPA., Research Question: This study aims to determine what axial changes are generated from a split posterior tibial tendon transfer in children with CP., Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all ambulatory children with a diagnosis of CP who underwent SPOTT at our institution. Patients with bony rotational procedures were excluded. Descriptive statistics including mean and standard deviation (SD) were used to characterize continuous variables. Paired t-tests were used to evaluate outcomes, in which a target outcome was defined as a post-operative FPA between 0-10° of external rotation., Results: 44 limbs were included. Demographics were as follows: 26/13 female/male; mean age[SD] (years): 9.8[3.5]; 30 hemiplegic, 9 diplegic, and 1 triplegic. Of the 44 limbs, 18 limbs had a target outcome, 4 had no change, and 22 had a non-target outcome. Of the 22 with an outcome outside of the target, 4 limbs trended away from a target outcome. The overall change in FPA measured was - 10.9 ± 14.7° (p < 0.0001) Age at time of surgery, CP involvement, pre-operative FPA, and GMFCS level were not predictors of outcome (p > 0.05)., Conclusions: SPOTT produced a change of 10.9° external rotation in FPA post-operatively and its effects should be considered when planning a SEMLS., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors. alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Improving upper extremity function in high cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with tetraplegia is a challenging task owing to the limited expendable donor muscles and nerves that are available. Restoring active wrist extension for these patients is critical because it allows for tenodesis grasp. This is classically achieved with brachioradialis (BR) to extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon transfer, but outcomes are suboptimal because BR excursion is insufficient and its origin proximal to the elbow further limits the functionality of the tendon transfer, particularly in the absence of elbow extension. As an alternative approach to restore wrist extension in patients with ICSHT group 1 SCI, we present the first clinical report of the BR to extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) and BR to ECRB nerve transfers., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest and Source of Funding: The authors report no conflicts of interest and no source of funding., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Arthroscopically assisted lower trapezius tendon (aLTT) transfer is one of the treatment options for posterior-superior irreparable rotator cuff tears (PSIRCTs). Although short-term clinical outcomes have shown promising results, there are currently no reported clinical outcomes over a longer follow-up period. This study evaluated the mid-term outcomes of aLTT transfer in patients with a diagnosis of PSIRCT., Methods: This retrospective case-series study included patients who underwent aLTT transfer between May 2017 and May 2019. The clinical outcome assessment included the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, University of California-Los Angeles score, Activities of Daily Living Requiring Active External Rotation (ADLER) score, active range of motion, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, and return-to-work rate. The radiographic analysis included the acromiohumeral distance, Hamada grade, and integrity of the transferred tendon at final follow-up. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the integrity of the transferred tendon and the trophicity of the teres minor (Tm)., Results: This study enrolled 36 patients with a mean age of 63.4 years who met the inclusion criteria and were followed up for a mean of 58.2 ± 5.3 months. At final follow-up, the patients showed significant improvement in mean VAS score, Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, University of California-Los Angeles score, ADLER score, and active range of motion in all directions except internal rotation. A decrease in the acromiohumeral distance and an increase in the Hamada grade were observed at final follow-up (P = .040 and P = .006, respectively). Retears of the transferred tendon occurred in 7 patients, and postoperative infections developed in 2 individuals. An interesting finding was that the retear group still demonstrated improvement in the VAS score but did not show improvement in external rotation at the side by the final follow-up. Compared with the Tm non-hypertrophy group, the Tm hypertrophy group showed significantly better improvement in external rotation at 90° of abduction and at the side, as well as the ADLER score. Of the study patients, 30 (83.3%) were able to successfully resume their previous work., Conclusion: In this study, aLTT transfer in patients with PSIRCTs demonstrated significant improvements in clinical and radiologic outcomes by the final follow-up. These findings provide support for the mid-term safety and effectiveness of aLTT transfer as a viable joint-preserving treatment option for PSIRCTs. However, larger and longer-term studies are still needed to further validate these findings., (Copyright © 2023 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Case: An 8-year-old girl with a history of acute flaccid paralysis presented with chronic valgus drop foot causing tripping and falling. Traditionally surgical correction of this deformity is accomplished by transferring the posterior tibialis tendon to enhance dorsiflexion. The authors describe a new technique which transfers the peroneus longus tendon to the dorsum of the foot in a patient with weakness of the posterior tibialis muscle. The patient's drop foot and gait were improved at the 22-month follow-up., Conclusion: Successful transfer of the peroneus longus was accomplished with improved limb clearance during gait and coronal alignment in stance., Competing Interests: Disclosure: The Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest forms are provided with the online version of the article (http://links.lww.com/JBJSCC/C351)., (Copyright © 2024 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated.)

A dropping foot is the consequence of a variety of debilitating conditions and is oftentimes treated conservatively by general practitioners and other specialists. Typically, it is caused by peroneal nerve palsy secondary to compression or a hernia nucleosipulpei at the level L4-L5. Identifying the underlying pathology requires a neurological work-up oftentimes including ultrasound and electromyographic investigation. When a peroneal nerve compression is found, decompression can be achieved operatively. Should the underlying cause of the dropping foot have been treated adequately without an effect on the foot itself, then a posterior tibial tendon transfer may be considered. Generally, a posterior tibial tendon transfer has good outcomes for the treatment of dropping foot although it is partly dependent on the physiotherapy that accompanies it.

The irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear describes a tear of the supraspinatus and/or infraspinatus tendon that is massive, contracted, and immobile in both the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions. Patients with an intact subscapularis and preserved forward elevation are challenging to treat because there is not a consensus treatment algorithm. For low-demand, elderly patients, several subacromial surgical options are available that can provide pain relief without the risks or burden of rehabilitation posed by reverse total shoulder arthroplasty or a complex soft-tissue reconstruction (e.g., superior capsular reconstruction, tendon transfer, bridging grafts). Debridement, more specifically the "smooth-and-move" procedure, offers a reliable outcome with documented improvements in pain and function at long-term follow-up. Similarly, the biodegradable subacromial balloon spacer (InSpace; Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI) has been shown to significantly improve pain and function in patients who are not responsive to nonoperative treatment. Disease progression with these options is possible, with a small percentage of patients progressing to rotator cuff arthropathy. Biologic tuberoplasty and bursal acromial reconstruction are conceptually similar to the balloon spacer but instead use biologic grafts to prevent bone-to-bone contact between the humeral head and the acromion. Although there is no single gold standard treatment, the variety of surgical techniques allows patients and surgeons to effectively manage these challenging situations., Competing Interests: Disclosures The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: C.W.N. reports a relationship with Arthrex that includes: consulting or advisory and speaking and lecture fees, a relationship with Vericel Corporation and Guidepoint Consulting that includes: consulting or advisory, a relationship with AO Foundation that includes: speaking and lecture fees and travel reimbursement, a relationship with Arthroscopy Association of North America that includes: board membership and travel reimbursement, and a relationship with American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons that includes: board membership. R.U.H. reports a relationship with Wolters Kluwer Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Pty Ltd that includes: publishing royalties, financial or material support, a relationship with Stryker that includes: consulting or advisory and speaking and lecture fees, a relationship with American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons that includes: board membership, a relationship with Arthroscopy Association of North America that includes: board membership. All other authors (M.D.S.) declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) and lower trapezius tendon transfer (LTT) have recently been used to manage irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears (PSRCTs). There has been a paucity of comparative biomechanical considerations between the 2 procedures., Purpose: To compare the glenohumeral stability and biomechanical properties between SCR and LTT in PSRCTs involving the entire infraspinatus tendon region., Study Design: Controlled laboratory study., Methods: Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested at 0°, 20°, and 40° of shoulder abduction. Maximum internal, external, and total humeral range of motion (ROM), superior translation of the humeral head, and subacromial contact characteristics were compared among 4 conditions: (1) intact rotator cuff, (2) PSRCTs involving the entire infraspinatus tendon region, (3) LTT using Achilles allograft (12 N and 24 N of loading), and (4) SCR using fascia lata allograft., Results: Although a decrease in total ROM was noted in LTT with 12 N compared with the tear condition, LTT with both 12 N and 24 N as well as SCR did not restrict total rotational ROM compared with the intact condition. LTT had decreased total ROM compared with tear condition at 20° of abduction ( P = .042), while no significant decrease was confirmed at all abduction angles after SCR. SCR and LTT with 24 N decreased superior translation compared with the PSRCT condition at 0° and 20° of abduction ( P < .037) but not significantly at 40° of abduction, whereas LTT with a 24-N load decreased glenohumeral superior translation at all abduction angles ( P < .039). Both SCR and LTT decreased subacromial contact pressure compared with the tear condition ( P < .014) at all abduction angles. SCR decreased subacromial contact pressure at 0° and 40° of abduction ( P = .019 and P = .048, respectively) compared with LTT with 12 N of loading, while there was no difference between SCR and LTT with 24 N of loading in all abduction angles. SCR increased the contact area compared with the PSRCT condition at all abduction angles ( P < .023), whereas LTT did not increase the contact area., Conclusion: SCR and LTT decreased glenohumeral superior translation and contact pressure compared with PSRCT conditions. The LTT was superior to SCR in terms of superior translation of the humeral head at a higher shoulder abduction angle, whereas the SCR showed more advantageous subacromial contact characteristics compared with LTT., Clinical Relevance: These biomechanical findings provide insights into these 2 fundamentally different procedures for the treatment of young and active patients with PSRCTs involving the entire infraspinatus tendon region., Competing Interests: One or more of the authors has declared the following potential conflict of interest or source of funding: Funding was provided by Yeosu Baek Hospital, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea. AOSSM checks author disclosures against the Open Payments Database (OPD). AOSSM has not conducted an independent investigation on the OPD and disclaims any liability or responsibility relating thereto.

Background: Isolated radial nerve palsy is a debilitating injury that may potentially be reconstructed with either tendon transfers, nerve grafts, or nerve transfers. Currently, there is no consensus on the optimal technique for reconstruction. We performed a systematic review and analysis to determine which surgical intervention provides the best clinical outcomes., Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Twenty-nine papers met inclusion criteria. Grading scales of function and strength were converted into a tripartite scoring system to compare outcomes between techniques. χ 2 analyses were performed with a P value < .05., Results: Seven hundred fifty-four patients were analyzed. Tendon transfers resulted in the highest percentage of good outcomes (82%) and the lowest percentage of poor outcomes (9%). Tendon transfers were superior to nerve grafts and nerve transfers for restoration of wrist extension. Nerve transfers for wrist extension were superior to nerve transfers for finger extension. Nerve grafts and nerve transfers had equivalent rates of good and poor clinical outcomes., Conclusions: This study analyzed reported outcomes of tendon transfers, nerve grafts, and nerve transfers for reconstruction of isolated radial nerve palsy. On pooled analysis, tendon transfers had higher rates of superior clinical outcomes as compared with nerve transfers and nerve grafts. Tendon transfers should be considered first-line reconstruction for isolated radial nerve palsy as nerve-based reconstruction is less predictable and reproducible., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: All authors have no financial interests, including products, devices, or drugs associated with this manuscript. There are no commercial associations that might pose or create a conflict of interest with information presented in this submitted manuscript such as consultancies, stock ownership, or patent licensing arrangements. All sources of funds supporting the completion of this manuscript are under the auspices of the University of California Los Angeles.

Purpose: Irreparable rotator cuff tears are disabling and can severely affect daily life activities, especially when young and active patients are involved. The definition is still debated, and they can have several clinical presentations. The treatment depends on the clinical presentation and the patient's age., Methods: The survey was developed by the ESSKA U45 Committee and was uploaded on the ESSKA website. Fifty-seven questionnaires were returned. Several aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of massive irreparable cuff tears were investigated. Moreover, treatment options for specific clinical scenarios were given for posterior-superior and anterior-superior cuff tears in young and old patients., Results: Fatty degeneration of the muscles was the most common criterion to define an irreparable tear (59.7%). In young patients with external rotation with the arm at side lag, partial repair of the cuff was the most common option (41.8%); in case of external rotation with the arm at side + external rotation at 90° of abduction lag without pseudoparalysis, the most common option was partial repair of the cuff + latissimus dorsi or lower trapezius transfer (39.3%), and in case of external rotation with the arm at side + external rotation at 90° of abduction lag with pseudoparalysis, partial repair of the cuff + latissimus dorsi or lower trapezius transfer was still the most common option (25.5%). The same scenarios in old patients yielded the following results: reverse prosthesis (49.1%), reverse prosthesis (44.6%) and reverse prosthesis ± latissimus dorsi or lower trapezius transfer (44.6%), respectively., Conclusions: The present survey clearly confirms that biological options (partial cuff repairs and tendon transfers) are the reference in the case of young patients with deficient cuffs (both posterior and anterior). Reverse shoulder prosthesis is the most common treatment option in old patients in all clinical scenarios., Level of Evidence: Level IV., (© 2024 European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy.)

Background: This study aims to analyze the mid-to long-term results of the latissimus dorsi tendon for the treatment of massive posterosuperior irreparable rotator cuff tears as reported in high-quality publications and to determine its efficacy and safety., Methods: A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases were searched until December 2022 to identify studies with a minimum 4 year follow-up. Clinical and radiographic outcomes, complications, and revision surgery data were collected. The publications included were analyzed quantitatively using the DerSimonian Laird random-effects model to estimate the change in outcomes from the preoperative to the postoperative condition. The proportion of complications and revisions were pooled using the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation., Results: Of the 618 publications identified through database search, 11 articles were considered eligible. A total of 421 patients (432 shoulders) were included in this analysis. Their mean age was 59.5 ± 4 years. Of these, 277 patients had mid-term follow-up (4-9 years), and 144 had long-term follow-up (more than 9 years). Postoperative improvements were considered significant for the following outcome parameters: Constant-Murley Score (0-100 scale), with a mean difference (MD) = 28 points (95% confidence interval [CI] 21, 36; I 2  = 89%; P < .001); visual analog scale, with a standardized MD = 2.5 (95% CI 1.7, 3.3; P < .001; I 2  = 89%; P < .001); forward flexion, with a MD = 43° (95% CI 21°, 65°; I 2  = 95% P < .001); abduction, with a MD = 38° (95% CI 20°, 56°; I 2  = 85%; P < .01), and external rotation, with a MD = 8° (95% CI 1°, 16°; I 2  = 87%; P = .005). The overall reported mean complication rate was 13% (95% CI 9%, 19%; I 2  = 0%), while the reported mean revision rate was 6% (95% CI: 3%, 9%; I 2  = 0%)., Conclusions: Our pooled estimated results seem to indicate that latissimus dorsi tendon transfer significantly improves patient-reported outcomes, pain relief, range of motion, and strength, with modest rates of complications and revision surgery at mid-to long-term follow-up. In well-selected patients, latissimus dorsi tendon transfer may provide favorable outcomes for irreparable posterosuperior cuff tears., (Copyright © 2023 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: While the well-established correlation between increased muscle volume and enhanced muscle strength is widely recognized, there have been no studies assessing volumetric muscle changes in transfer surgery in the shoulder. This study aimed to evaluate changes in transferred muscle volume and their clinical implications in anterior latissimus dorsi and teres major (aLDTM) tendon transfer in patients with anterior superior irreparable rotator cuff tears (ASIRCTs)., Materials and Methods: The study retrospectively examined 40 patients who underwent aLDTM tendon transfers for ASIRCTs between August 2018 and January 2022. Using ImageJ software, the LDTM muscle was segmented in T2-weighted oblique axial images, and total muscle volume (tLDTMV) of both immediate and postoperative 1-year were calculated. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between ΔtLDTMV and ΔASES scores, Δactive-ROM, and Δstrength., Results: The current study revealed an 11.4% increase in tLDTMV at 1-year postoperative. Patients were grouped based on postoperative ASES score: Group 1 (Optimal, n = 17) and Group 2 (Suboptimal, n = 23). Although tLDTMV immediate postoperative values were similar between groups (P = 0.954), tLDTMV 1-year postoperative value was significantly higher in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (P = 0.021). In correlation analysis, ΔtLDTMV showed significant correlations with ΔASES score (r = 0.525, P < 0.001), ΔaROM of forward elevation (FE) (r = 0.476, P = 0.002), ΔaROM of internal rotation (IR) at back (r = 0.398, P = 0.011), Δstrength of FE (r = 0.328, P = 0.039), Δ strength of IR at 90° abduction (r = 0.331, P = 0.037), and IR at side (r = 0.346, P = 0.029)., Conclusions: Significant increase in tLDTMV was observed at 1-year postoperative for ASIRCT patients. Notably, greater ΔtLDTMV exhibited a correlation with better ASES scores, increased aROM and strength in both FE and IR. Nevertheless, further research is required by employing more robust standardized measurement tools and a larger sample size., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: To compare clinical outcomes and complication rates of full arthroscopic latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) vs. arthroscopically assisted LDTT, for the treatment of irreparable posterosuperior massive rotator cuff tears (mRCTs) in shoulders that had failed rotator cuff repair (RCR)., Methods: We evaluated a continuous series of 191 patients who underwent LDTT over 4 consecutive years. A total of 107 patients did not have previous shoulder surgery, leaving 84 patients who had prior surgical procedures. All procedures performed over the first 2 years were arthroscopically assisted (n = 48), whereas all procedures performed over the last 2 years were full arthroscopic (n = 36). We noted all complications, as well as clinical scores and range of motion at ≥24 months. To enable direct comparison between the 2 techniques, propensity score matching was used to obtain 2 groups with equivalent age, sex, and follow-up., Results: Compared with the 48 patients who underwent arthroscopically assisted LDTT, the 36 patients who underwent full arthroscopic LDTT had comparable complications (13% vs. 11%) and conversions to RSA (8.3% vs. 5.6%). Propensity score matching resulted in 2 groups, each comprising 31 patients, which had similar outcomes in terms of clinical scores (except mobility component of Constant score, which was better following fully arthroscopic LDTT; P = .037) and range of motion at a minimum follow-up of 2 years., Conclusion: At a minimum follow-up of 24 months, for the treatment of irreparable posterosuperior mRCTs in shoulders that had surgical antecedents, full arthroscopic LDTT had significantly better mobility component of the Constant score than arthroscopically assisted LDTT, although there were no significant differences in the other clinical or functional outcomes. Arthroscopically assisted LDTT and full arthroscopic LDTT had comparable rates of complications (8.3% vs. 13%) and conversion to RSA (5.6% vs. 8.3%)., (Copyright © 2023 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)