Treatment Innovations for Massive & Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears (AANA22)-Treatment Innovations of Massive & Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears

Treatment Innovations of Massive & Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This presentation discusses massive irreparable rotator cuff tears, common in patients over 40, focusing on treatment options including the in-space balloon spacer. This biodegradable device, approved in the US since 2021 and used extensively in Europe, acts as a “rehab accelerator” by improving muscle tension balance and function during healing. A pivotal randomized controlled study showed that patients over 65 with intact subscapularis muscles and no significant arthritis benefited most, regaining motion faster than partial repairs, with minimal adverse events. Case studies highlight the procedure’s effectiveness in pain relief and function improvement over midterm follow-up. The speaker emphasizes proper patient selection, meticulous surgical technique, and cautious post-op rehab to optimize outcomes. The in-space balloon provides a minimally invasive, reversible option for patients who failed conservative treatment and are unsuitable for cuff repair, serving as a valuable addition to a surgeon's treatment arsenal without “burning bridges” for future interventions.

Asset Caption

Joseph A. Abboud, M.D.

Keywords

massive irreparable rotator cuff tears

in-space balloon spacer

biodegradable implant

rotator cuff treatment

minimally invasive shoulder surgery