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Updated: Dec 15, 2025

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Subacromial Balloon Spacer Implantation.

Melissa A Wright1, Joseph A Abboud2, Anand M Murthi3

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, 3333 North Calvert Street, Suite 400, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA.

Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine
|July 15, 2020
PubMed
Summary

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A biodegradable balloon spacer shows promise for treating massive irreparable rotator cuff tears, improving pain and function. Further high-quality studies are needed to define optimal use and long-term outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Sports Medicine

Background:

  • Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears pose significant treatment challenges.
  • Current treatment options lack a definitive gold standard.
  • An implantable biodegradable subacromial balloon spacer is a novel therapeutic option.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current evidence on the use of biodegradable subacromial balloon spacers for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears.
  • To evaluate the biomechanical properties and clinical outcomes of this new device.

Main Methods:

  • Review of biomechanical studies and clinical case series.
  • Analysis of patient-reported outcomes including pain and function.
  • Assessment of device performance in isolation and combination with other arthroscopic procedures.
Keywords:
Balloon implantable spacerChronic rotator cuff tearIrreparable rotator cuff tearNonoperative treatment of rotator cuff tearsSubacromial spacer

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Main Results:

  • Biomechanical studies confirm the balloon spacer restores humeral head position and glenohumeral mechanics.
  • Clinical studies report promising improvements in pain and function, with sustained benefits up to 5 years.
  • Positive outcomes are noted when the spacer is used alone or with procedures like partial rotator cuff repair.

Conclusions:

  • The biodegradable subacromial balloon spacer is a promising device for managing massive irreparable rotator cuff tears.
  • Optimal candidates may include patients without arthritis, with active forward elevation over 90 degrees, and an intact subscapularis.
  • Arthroscopic implantation, potentially combined with other procedures, is recommended, but high-quality long-term studies are essential.