Treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears through biodegradable subacromial InSpace Balloon

Introduction The massive irreparable tears of rotator cuff represents a debilitating condition for the patient as well as it is still an hard challenge to an orthopedic surgeon [1,2]. Treating these tears is an interesting and evolving issue due to the development of arthroscopic surgery and of the materials used for treatment. There are several surgical options for treating massive tears, among these the arthroscopic debridement and the implant of a reverse prosthesis [3]. Recently, the Biodegradable InSpace Balloon device has been put on the market, once implanted between the acromion and the proximal humeral epiphysis, this device guarantees significant pain reduction and range of motion (ROM) improvement in patients affected by massive rotator-cuff shoulder tears, as it restores the correct expanse of the pathologically reduced subacromial space. Primary end-points include: pain relief, improvement in the range of motion, activities of daily living, and enhancement of shoulder strength referring to the Constant Score [5] recorded at each follow-up visit.