Editorial Commentary: Subacromial Balloon Spacer for Management of Massive Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears Improves Shoulder Range of Motion and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures

• Published in: Arthroscopy Vol. 40; no. 1; pp. 174 - 175
• Main Authors: Cotter, Eric J, Verma, Nikhil N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.01.2024
• Subjects: Humans; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Range of Motion, Articular; Rotator Cuff - surgery; Rotator Cuff Injuries - surgery; Shoulder; Shoulder Joint - surgery; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0749-8063; 1526-3231
• DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2023.07.043

Considerable controversy exists regarding the management of massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. This conversation has been invigorated further by the emergence of the subacromial balloon spacer for management of patients with tear patterns deemed irreparable. Most data lend support to the balloon spacer improving shoulder range of motion and patient-reported outcome measures, with a simplified technique and accelerated patient recovery. Biomechanical data support both decreased contact pressure in the subacromial space and humeral re-centering. Patient indications are increasingly being defined and include lower-demand patients who prioritize pain relief over strength recovery and have maintained active elevation, absence of glenohumeral arthritis, and an intact subscapularis. The subacromial balloon spacer has shown largely positive results at mid-term follow-up. Further data are still needed to determine long-term outcomes and the impact on future revision surgery or conversion to reverse arthroplasty, as well as expanded indications such as large tears that are mechanically repairable but carry a substantial risk of failure of healing. For now, so far, so good.