The subacromial balloon spacer: Adhering to indications and clinical outcomes

The subacromial balloon spacer has emerged as a viable treatment option for patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears. Acting as a temporary interpositional device, the subacromial balloon reduces acromiohumeral impingement and redistributes forces across the shoulder, leading to pain relief and improved function. Achieving optimal outcomes requires adherence to appropriate surgical indications and the implementation of a structured postoperative rehabilitation protocol. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the subacromial balloon spacer's biomechanical function, clinical indications, surgical technique, postoperative rehabilitation, and outcomes from recent trials and meta-analyses. While short-term outcomes are promising, further large-scale, long-term studies are needed to refine its indications and define its role in shoulder surgery.