Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear? Think Balloons 🎈
Irreparable rotator cuff tear. Think Balloons. Balloons? Was that the question you uttered when you saw this topic? How does a balloon get into an operating room and in your shoulder?Â
Subacromial Balloon arthroplasty is a new and promising surgical procedure for irreparable rotator cuff tears. How does that work?
We will be giving you the details on that very soon. But First, let’s talk briefly about the traditional surgical options for irreparable rotator cuff tears.
A tear that is large and retracted, can’t be fixed with a rotator cuff repair surgery. Hence it’s called an irreparable rotator cuff tear.
Surgical Procedures for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear
If you have a significant or irreparable rotator cuff tear, your surgeon may recommend one of these surgeries.
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
In this surgery, your upper arm bone’s rounded head is removed and replaced with a plastic socket.
The socket in your shoulder is replaced with a base plate that a metal ball is attached.
The system is held in place with screws, allowing the socket to rotate freely on the ball. This restores shoulder movement.
Tendon Transfer
A tendon from a different part of your body is used to replace your torn rotator cuff.Â
The tendon is then attached to your bone and the remaining rotator cuff with sutures.
A tendon transfer is rarely used today, because it is a very invasive surgery with only fair results.
Superior Capsular Reconstruction
A rotator cuff tear causes your upper arm bone to no longer stay centered in the joint, causing pain and loss of function.
A superior capsular reconstruction surgery uses donor tissue to restore the position of your shoulder.
Balloons For Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear
Subacromial balloon arthroplasty is a recent surgical procedure that treats irreparable rotator cuff tears.
Subacromial balloon arthroplasty is an FDA-approved, low-risk, less-invasive alternative to painful rotator cuff surgeries with long-term results.
The procedure is especially suitable for you if you have a large irreparable rotator cuff tear with minimal arthritis.
The surgeon places a small biodegradable balloon into your shoulder joint. Saline is used to inflate the balloon. The balloon will prevent your shoulder bones from rubbing together.
The balloon will disintegrate in about 3 to 6 months. However, the improvement in symptoms from this procedure is long-term — up to 2 years!
In addition, subacromial balloon arthroplasty may give you better results, plus your recovery after surgery is faster.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that patients are out of their sling in the 4 to 8 weeks after surgery. They can return to their activities in 8 to 12 weeks.
Balloons For Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear: What You Need to Know
If you are thinking of ‘balloons’ for your rotator cuff, there are a few things to keep in mind. They include:
Cost
At the moment, the InSpace balloon used for the surgery is expensive. So not everyone will be able to afford the procedure. Your insurance may not pay for this procedure.
Contraindications
If you have any underlying disease conditions such as infection (in the shoulder), blood coagulation disorder, poorly managed chronic renal failure, heart failure, or cirrhosis, you may want to discuss your options with your surgeon.
The procedure is not suitable for people who are allergic to polymer products.
Conclusion
It may be termed irreparable, but you will always have options as long as science and medicine are concerned.
So if you have been searching for a better surgical technique for your shoulder issues, you just got one.
Your rotator cuff may not be perfect, but your shoulder can be better.