Introduction:

arthroscopic surgical treatment of rotator cuff tendon injuries has replaced open surgery as the first treatment option. Different surgical techniques have been described for massive or irreparable ruptures, and recently, a new device that consists of a biodegradable subacromial spacer between the humeral head and the acromion has been used. The present study aims to analyse the results of this implant in our experience.

Material and methods:

we conducted an observational and retrospective study of all patients undergoing subacromial spacer implantation at our centre from 2017 to 2019. Patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively using the Constant, DASH and VAS scales.

Results:

a total of 43 patients met the inclusion criteria and the minimum follow-up of 24 months. The mean DASH scale score went from 53.6 at preoperative assessment to 27.9 at postoperative assessment (p = 0.026). There was also a significant improvement in the Constant scale from a mean of 37.9 to 61.8 (p = 0.037). In terms of pain assessment, the mean VAS went from a mean of 7.44 to 3.38 (p = 0.916). In 90% of patients no complications or need for further interventions were objectified.

Conclusions:

the subacromial balloon has shown favorable results in our series of patients, so it could be a valid treatment option in patients with non-repairable rotator cuff tears.