Latissimus repair in wakeboarding incident: An operative case report

Abstract

Latissimus dorsi (LD) tears are clinically uncommon and most often occur in professional baseball pitchers. Current literature does not offer a consensus for operative vs. conservative management of LD tears. The case described herein involves a wakeboarding-related LD avulsion with a discussion of factors leading to the clinical decision of operative management. A single incision, curvilinear axillary approach is outlined with intensive postoperative physical rehabilitation and complete recovery achieved within 12 months. Multiple different operative techniques have been described, including a dual-incision technique with a deltopectoral approach as well as the single-incision curvilinear posterior axillary approach described in this report. However, there are sparse comparative studies between these operative approaches. This report therefore recounts a successful case of managing LD injury operatively and in support of the single incision approach.