Is Subacromial Balloon Spacer Appropriate for Treatment of Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears in Elderly Patients?

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of surgical treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears by subacromial balloon spacer insertion in patients over 65 years old.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Results of patients with failed conservative treatment for irreparable rotator cuff tears and who underwent subacromial balloon spacer insertion were evaluated retrospectively. The VAS and Quick-DASH scores were used for clinical and functional assessment.

RESULTS

Eleven patients were included. Mean age of patients was 69.1 (range: 65-77) years old. Evaluation of anteroposterior shoulder x-rays revealed Hamada grade 2 and grade 1 arthropathy in 10 patients (91%) and 1 patient (9%),respectively. Mean duration of follow-up was 45.09 (±5.43,37-52) months. The difference in the subacromial space measured from standard AP shoulder x-rays in the preoperative period, in the 6th postoperative month, and at the end of follow-up was 5.44 mm (2.29), 6.51 mm (±2.23), and 5.08 mm (±2.13), respectively. Mean Quick-DASH score was 74.49(±14.36) in the preoperative period, compared to 72.19 (±14.38) at the end of follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference between preoperative period and end of follow-up scores in terms of mean Quick-DASH scores (p= 0.232). Mean VAS score was 7.09 (±0.831) in the preoperative period and 6.64 (±0.809) at the end of follow-up. No statistically significant difference was revealed in terms of mean VAS scores when preoperative and end of follow-up scores were compared (p=0.333).

CONCLUSION

Clinical and radiographic results of subacromial balloon spacer insertion in the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears could not be evaluated as satisfactory.