Isolated injury to the latissimus dorsi is rare. Partial tendon tears may be successfully treated nonsurgically. Complete tendon ruptures require surgical repair. Tendon repair can be approached either through an anterior deltopectoral incision with a secondary small posterior axillary incision or through a long posterior axillary incision. Suture anchors can be used to repair the latissimus dorsi to the humeral attachment. Although the literature is limited to single-patient case series, most patients have returned to full athletic activity after surgical repair.
From KSF Orthopaedic Center, Houston, TX (Dr. George), and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX (Dr. Khazzam).
Dr. George or an immediate family member has received royalties from Innomed and serves as a paid consultant to KCI. Dr. Khazzam or an immediate family member is a member of a speakers' bureau or has made paid presentations on behalf of Wright Medical Technology; serves as a paid consultant to Wright Medical Technology; has received research or institutional support from Wright Medical Technology; and serves as a board member, owner, officer, or committee member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and the Arthroscopy Association of North America.
