Subacromial InSpace Balloon Interposition for Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears

Massive rotator cuff tears are a challenging problem for treatment. The best results we can still achieve with reconstruction. For treatment of massive rotator cuff tears when reconstruction is not possible, a new method has been developed recently: the implantation of the biodegradable balloon spacer/InSpace™ balloon/filled with the saline in the subacromial space. The main characteristic of this method is that to allow gliding of the humeral head against acromion without friction and to depress the humeral head for 2–3 mm. This depression is just enough that the humerus is in a better center of rotation that allows the deltoid muscle more strength—better vector forces for the deltoid muscle. This function of the balloon permits better deltoid activation and compensation through the arc of motion. Results of our first study and results of others show clinical safety and efficacy of the insertion of the InSpace™ balloon in a group of patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. The insertion of this device shows significantly better early improvement, significant improvement in subjective pain scores, and a decrease in reported night pain. The measurement of the Total Constant score showed statistically significant improvement after insertion of the InSpace™ balloon at 5 years of follow-up. Generally, all studies show 75–80% of good results