Repair of Massive Rotator Cuff Tear With Medialization and Balloon Spacer Insertion

Retracted massive rotator cuff tears can be challenging to repair. Reduction of the retracted tendon to the native footprint may result in a repair with excessive tension. Repair under excessive tension predisposes to increased tendon retear rates. Footprint medialization involves securing the tendon medial to the anatomic footprint, resulting in decreased tension during repair. Several surgical adjuncts can also be employed to reinforce such tears so as to reduce the risk of retear. The aim of this Technical Note is to describe a surgical technique of rotator cuff repair with medialization of the footprint combined with a balloon spacer insertion.