InSpace Balloon

If you have a torn rotator cuff and are experiencing ongoing shoulder pain and difficulty moving your arm, you may have heard of a procedure that uses the InSpace Balloon. This innovative treatment is designed to help patients who are older and who have a massive irreparable rotator cuff tear, especially when traditional rotator cuff repair may not be a viable option.

Dr. Ronak M. Patel is a double board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and shoulder injuries. He stays at the forefront of advanced treatments for rotator cuff tears, including the use of the InSpace Balloon for patients who may not be candidates for standard surgical repairs.

What is the InSpace Balloon?

The InSpace Balloon is a small, biodegradable balloon that is placed in the shoulder joint in a minimally invasive procedure to create a cushion between the upper arm bone (humerus) and the shoulder blade (acromion). It is inflated with saline to separate the bones and reduce friction. It is made of a special material that dissolves over time. The balloon temporarily restores the natural movement of the shoulder and helps reduce pain.

Why is it used?

The InSpace Balloon is used for patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears, meaning the tendon damage is too severe to be repaired through traditional surgery. These types of tears often cause pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm. The balloon works by improving the biomechanics of the shoulder, helping the arm move more smoothly, and improving shoulder function without requiring complex reconstruction.

When is it used?

This procedure is considered when:

• A patient has a large or irreparable rotator cuff tear that cannot be fixed with traditional repair techniques.
• There is significant shoulder pain that affects daily activities.
• Traditional rotator cuff repair is not a good option due to the extent of the tear or poor tendon quality.
• The goal is to reduce pain and improve mobility without resorting to a reverse total shoulder replacement.

What Does the InSpace Balloon Do?

• Reduces pain by creating a smooth gliding surface in the shoulder joint.
• Restores more natural movement, making it easier to lift the arm.
• Supports physical therapy efforts to strengthen the remaining shoulder muscles.
• Dissolves naturally over time, meaning no long-term foreign material remains in the body.

A Minimally Invasive Solution

Dr. Ronak M. Patel offers this minimally invasive procedure as an option for patients struggling with chronic shoulder pain due to severe rotator cuff injuries. The balloon is inserted arthroscopically (through small incisions), allowing for a quicker recovery and less post-surgical discomfort compared to more complex shoulder surgeries.

If you have been told you have a rotator cuff tear that may not be repairable, Dr. Patel can evaluate whether the InSpace Balloon is the right solution for you. By combining expertise in sports medicine and shoulder surgery, he tailors treatments to help patients regain shoulder function and return to an active lifestyle.

Would you like more details on the procedure, recovery, and rehabilitation? Contact Dr. Patel at Hinsdale Orthopedics. He treats patients in Chicagoland, the Tri-State areas, across the US and internationally. Dr. Patel is dedicated to providing personalized care, utilizing the latest surgical techniques to help patients regain function and return to their daily activities.

References

• Verma N, Srikumaran U, Roden CM, Rogusky EJ, Lapner P, Neill H, Abboud JA. (2022). InSpace implant compared with partial repair for treatment of full-thickness massive rotator cuff tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Advance online publication. doi. 10.2106/JBJS.21.00667.
• Daher M, Pearl A, Zalaquett Z, Elhassan BT, Abboud JA, Fares MY, Saleh KJ. InSpace Balloon for the Management of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clin Orthop Surg. 2023 Oct;15(5):834-842. doi: 10.4055/cios23032. Epub 2023 Aug 21. PMID: 37811509; PMCID: PMC10551680.