Interventional procedure overview of biodegradable subacromial spacer insertion for rotator cuff tears.

What the procedure involves

Inserting a biodegradable subacromial spacer aims to improve pain and restore shoulder function in people who have irreparable rotator cuff tears. The aim is to reduce subacromial friction by lowering the humeral head during shoulder abduction. It is a less invasive and potentially safer alternative to reverse shoulder arthroplasty or tendon transfer, and has shorter procedure and rehabilitation times.

The procedure is done with the person under general or regional anaesthetic. The subacromial space is visualised using either arthroscopy or mini-open surgery. The damaged area is surgically cleared. Measurements are taken to determine the size of biodegradable spacer needed. The balloon-like spacer is then inserted into the subacromial space and inflated with saline solution. Once a sufficient volume is reached, the balloon is sealed and left in situ. The balloon spacer is made from a biodegradable polymer and resorbs over a period of about one year.