Primary Cuff Repair Augmented With a Balloon Spacer in a Large and Massive Rotator Cuff Tear Series: A Technique and Short-term Outcome and Imaging Study.

Abstract

Massive rotator cuff tears are a challenge for patients and surgeons. We explored the outcomes of patients with massive rotator cuff tears primarily treated with primary cuff repair augmented with a subacromial balloon spacer. The mean age of the patients was 64.3 years, with 24 (71%) having massive cuff tears and the remaining 29% having large cuff tears. Most patients (61%) exhibited significant fatty atrophy (at least grade 3 Goutallier). At 6 months, patients showed improved Constant score, UCLA score, and Oxford Shoulder Score. Pain scores also significantly decreased. A phase 1 study of postoperative imaging indicated balloon disintegration in 50% of cases at 6 weeks. Augmenting primary cuff repair with a subacromial balloon spacer demonstrates promising short-term outcomes. Our postoperative images suggest that balloon disintegration may occur as early as 6 weeks. We recommend caution in using a balloon spacer as a standalone therapy. [<i>Orthopedics</i>. 2025;48(1):e56-e61.].