[Deltoid muscle flap for massive rotator cuff tears: 41 cases with a mean 7-year (minimum 5 year) follow-up].

Abstract

This long-term study confirms the usefulness of the deltoid flap for the treatment of full thickness massive tears of the rotator cuff. The flap provides persistent pain relief and good function and force. This technique should be discussed for young patients in good physical condition when preoperative imaging demonstrates and irreparable alteration of the tendinomuscular structures (supraspinatus retraction, fatty degeneration, severe amyotrophy). The technique is particularly useful when preoperative flexion is less than 90 degrees. Although the population size is too small for statistical analysis, indications for deltoid flap repair should probably be limited to tears involving at most two tendons and sparing the subscapularis.