2026 SLARD Annual Meeting: What Is The Functional Improvement Following Lower Trapezius Transfer With Achilles Tendon in Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears?

12 studies including 416 patients with irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating lower trapezius tendon transfer with Achilles tendon allograft. Pooled outcomes of interest included range of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES), Constant-Murley Score (CMS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score (SANE), visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, lag sign, and pseudoparalysis. Overall, lower trapezius tendon transfer was associated with significant improvements in flexion, abduction, external rotation, pain, and functional scores, with functional improvements exceeding reported minimal clinically important differences. These findings suggest that lower trapezius tendon transfer with Achilles allograft provides clinically meaningful functional recovery and pain relief in patients with irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears.