Minor rotator cuff injuries can often be treated with rest, ice and physical therapy, while more severe injuries may require surgery in which the torn tendon is reattached to the bone. The subacromial balloon implant is a relatively new procedure for rotator cuff tears that offers a new option for the treatment of chronic tears other than shoulder replacement.
What Is Balloon Implant for Rotator Cuff Repair?
The subacromial balloon implant for rotator cuff repair is a minimally invasive alternative to rotator cuff surgery. Manufactured by Stryker, it is formally known as the InSpace Balloon Implant, and it was cleared by the FDA in July 2021 for arthroscopic treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears.
Traditionally, severe rotator cuff tears are treated using open or arthroscopic surgery that involves making one or more incisions into the shoulder and reattaching torn or damaged tendons to the bone. In some instances, a rotator cuff injury may require a total shoulder replacement.
The InSpace Balloon Implant by Stryker is designed to restore functionality, strength and flexibility to the shoulder without the need for shoulder replacement or rotator cuff repair. Other benefits of the balloon implant for rotator cuff repair include a low risk of complications, minimal damage to muscles and minimal postoperative pain.
How Does This Treatment Work?
The balloon implant works as a cushion to keep the humerus (ball) centered on the glenoid (socket) to allow the shoulder to function. It is implanted into the subacromial space of your shoulder, which is above where the rotator cuff is located. The cushioning of the balloon is believed to allow the remaining shoulder muscles to lift your arm.
The balloon implant for irreparable rotator cuff tears is performed as a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure under general anesthesia. An arthroscope is a small tube that contains a tiny video camera and a light. This instrument allows your surgeon to implant the balloon in a careful, precise way without needing to make one long incision or disrupt nearby tendons and tissues.
First, your surgeon will make a tiny incision in your shoulder near the rotator cuff. Then, your surgeon will insert the balloon, which is biodegradable and dissolvable. The balloon is filled with saline solution to produce cushioning between the acromion and humeral head, and your incision will be closed.
The balloon implant is absorbed by your body over 12 months.
Who Are Ideal Candidates for a Balloon Implant?
The InSpace Balloon Implant is approved for patients who have massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears. Patients should have an intact subscapularis, which is the rotator cuff muscle in the front of the shoulder.
A doctor who specializes in injuries affecting the shoulder can help you determine whether a balloon implant is an appropriate treatment for you.
What Is Recovery Like After Having a Balloon Implant?
Minimally invasive procedures like the balloon implant for irreparable rotator cuff tears often produce a shorter recovery period. Instructions will be given to you on how to care for your incision and keep the wound clean and dry throughout rotator cuff surgery recovery.
Following your procedure, you will need to wear a shoulder sling for several days to promote healing in your shoulder. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medications and/or antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. You may also be shown a series of rotator cuff exercises that can improve your range of motion.
Consult your surgeon if you have any other questions or concerns regarding your recovery from balloon implant surgery.
Request an appointment from University Orthopaedic Associates (UOA) or contact us at (732) 537-0909 if you need treatment for an orthopaedic injury. Our shoulder specialists at UOA can examine and evaluate your injury and discuss all your available treatment options.
