Arthroscopic-Assisted Lower Trapezius Tendon Transfer With Autologous Semitendinosus Tendon and Long Head of Biceps Superior Capsule Reconstruction for Massive Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears

We present a surgical technique combining arthroscopic-assisted lower trapezius tendon (LTT) transfer with autologous semitendinosus tendon and long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) for massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. The patients are placed in the beach-chair position with the ipsilateral lower leg prepared simultaneously. After both tendons are harvested, 1 limb of a semitendinosus graft is fixed with the LTT via a Krakow suture. The LHBT is then fixed by an anchor 5 to 8 mm posterior to the bicipital groove and tenotomized distally. The transverse humeral ligament is released afterward to provide better visualization. A Beath pin is introduced from anterolateral portal, aiming at the bicipital groove, and drilled posteriorly until it exits at the infraspinatus footprint. Next, 4.5- and 8-mm cannulated drills are used sequentially to create a humeral tunnel. A shuttle suture passed through infraspinatus fascia in the back brings the EndoButton and looped semitendinosus graft from posterior to anterior of the humerus, until the EndoButton flips and is fixed inside the bicipital groove. The shoulder is placed in 45° abduction and 30° external rotation. The free limb of semitendinosus tendon is then sutured with LTT with the desired tension.