Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Repair in a 25-year-old Active-Duty Man
This video discusses the case presentation of a 25-year-old active-duty man with a latissimus dorsi tendon rupture. The patient had local tenderness over the latissimus tendon and pain with resisted internal rotation. MRI with a broad image field was obtained and revealed a full-thickness retracted tear of the latissimus tendon at its humeral attachment. Informed consent was obtained, and the patient elected to proceed with latissimus dorsi tendon repair.
Intraoperatively, the patient was placed in the lateral decubitus position, and the arm was placed in a holder anteriorly. After the native tendon was identified, the tendon stump was carefully mobilized and whipstiched with the use of two suture tapes. The patient’s arm was then internally rotated. Two intracortical buttons were inserted along the latissimus footprint, which lies between the bicipital groove and the teres. The latissimus dorsi tendon was sutured in its native position.
The patient’s arm was immobilized in a sling for 6 weeks postoperatively. At 1 week postoperatively, passive range of motion exercises were initiated to allow the tendon to heal back into the bone. At 6 weeks postoperatively, active-assisted range of motion was initiated, progressing to active range of motion as tolerated. The patient can return to normal activity at 6 months postoperatively and is expected to make a complete recovery between 9 and 12 months postoperatively.