Arthroscopic subacromial balloon implantation
Even buttoning a shirt had become an impossible task—for the past few years, 67-year-old Mr. L had been plagued by persistent shoulder pain. Although he had previously undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair on his right shoulder, a subsequent injury left him with restricted movement in that shoulder for the past six months.
An MRI scan revealed a massive rotator cuff tear (defined as a tear larger than 5 cm, or the complete rupture of two or more rotator cuff tendons), accompanied by significant muscle degeneration.
The sports medicine team at Wanying Orthopedics diagnosed Mr. L’s condition as an “irreparable massive rotator cuff tear,” meaning the tissue could no longer be repaired. Following an in-depth multidisciplinary discussion—and noting that the patient had not yet developed osteoarthritis—the team opted for an advanced procedure: the implantation of an InSpace subacromial balloon.
Supported by a skilled anesthesia team, the surgeons completed the balloon implantation in just 30 minutes. By placing a small, fluid-filled balloon between the acromion and the humeral head, they effectively restored the “fulcrum” for shoulder movement, re-establishing the balance of the joint’s force couples. Furthermore, the balloon prevents friction between the acromion and the humeral head, helping to halt further joint degeneration.
The surgery was a success, and Mr. L experienced immediate relief from his shoulder pain. “During the morning rounds, I was actually able to lift my arm to say hello!” he exclaimed. “Seeing such an ‘instant’ result has completely convinced me of the clinical expertise at Wanying Medical.” Mr. L was discharged the following day and will soon begin his post-operative rehabilitation.
Overcoming the Challenge of Age-Related Shoulder Pain
Yaoying Continues to Introduce Innovative Minimally Invasive Treatment Techniques
As the global population ages, rotator cuff injury has become a common clinical shoulder disorder. The condition most frequently stems from the gradual wear and tear of tendon tissue over time; without timely intervention, it often progresses to a massive rotator cuff tear. Such tears result in shoulder weakness and pain, hindering the performance of many daily activities—such as combing one’s hair or getting dressed—and causing nighttime pain severe enough to disrupt sleep.
Pain Points of Traditional Treatments
⚠️ Significant Trauma: Open surgery requires cutting the deltoid muscle, necessitating a long period of postoperative immobilization.
⚠️ High Risk: The rate of re-tearing following surgery for massive tears exceeds 40%.
Advantages of InSpace Balloon Technology
✔️ Innovative “Water Balloon” Technology: A biodegradable balloon is implanted to act as a cushion, replacing the function of a torn tendon and reducing friction.
✔️ Millimeter-Level Precision: Precise, arthroscopic placement avoids damage to nerves and blood vessels, with no disruption to the bony structures of the shoulder joint.
✔️ Rapid Recovery: Patients are typically discharged the day after surgery, with a recovery period 50% shorter than that of traditional surgery.
✔️ Minimally Invasive: The procedure is performed through three 5mm incisions, with blood loss of less than 10ml.
✔️ High Safety Profile: Since receiving its CE mark in 2010, the InSpace bioabsorbable shoulder balloon has been used to successfully treat over 28,000 patients across North America, the European Union, and other regions.
✔️ Reversible: The balloon degrades naturally over two years, leaving the option open for future surgical interventions.
Who is a candidate for the InSpace subacromial balloon implant procedure?
- Patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears—specifically those with large tears (>5 cm) that cannot be repaired through conventional surgical techniques.
- Patients with mild to moderate glenohumeral osteoarthritis; the balloon implant can help alleviate pain caused by arthritis and improve shoulder function.
- Patients aged 65 and older; compared to traditional surgery, the InSpace balloon implant procedure can offer faster functional recovery and pain relief.
Please note: Determining whether the InSpace balloon implant procedure is appropriate for you requires an in-person consultation at a hospital. A physician will conduct a comprehensive assessment based on your specific medical condition, overall physical health, and other relevant factors, and will then work with you to discuss and determine the most suitable treatment plan.