Injury to the latissimus dorsi and/or teres major muscles are infrequent but can be debilitating. Many patients can be managed conservatively without surgery.
Most injuries to the latissimus dorsi and/or teres major muscles can be managed without surgery, even tendon avulsion injuries. In many cases the impact on shoulder strength is minor and compensated by other muscles.
Indications for surgical repair of an injury to the latissimus dorsi and/or teres major muscle:
(1) professional or elite athlete
(2) significant shoulder strength deficit
(3) significant cosmetic deformity
(4) significant limitation in range of motion
(5) concern about retear
(6) need for rapid or predictable return to play
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