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Subacromial balloon spacer - Where are we now?
Aparna Viswanath1, Steve Drew1
1Dept of Orthopaedics, University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX, United Kingdom.
Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma
|April 26, 2021
Summary
The subacromial balloon spacer may help some patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears. More research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and optimal use.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomaterials in Medicine
Background:
- Rotator cuff tears are a frequent cause of shoulder disability and pain.
- Treatment for irreparable rotator cuff tears remains a challenge.
- The subacromial balloon spacer is an emerging surgical option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence on the subacromial balloon spacer for irreparable rotator cuff tears.
- To clarify the indications for using this device.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted using keywords: "balloon spacer" and "irreparable cuff tear".
- Twenty studies involving the balloon spacer in over two patients were analyzed.
- A total of 513 patients were included in the analysis.
Main Results:
- Most studies recommended the subacromial balloon spacer.
- Four studies did not recommend the device.
- Significant bias was noted in the analyzed studies, with no Level I or II evidence.
Conclusions:
- The subacromial balloon spacer may be suitable for specific patients: older, low-demand individuals with isolated supraspinatus tears, no arthritis, and preserved active elevation (>90°).
- Further high-quality evidence from randomized prospective trials is anticipated to validate its use.
