Subacromial Balloon Spacer for the Massive Irreparable Cuff Tear.

Within the last year, two Level I clinical trials have been published, and the data from these studies offer conflicting evidence regarding the utility of the subacromial balloon spacer. The current review contrasts these two recent studies and offers a framework by which the available evidence can be practically understood with respect to clinical decision-making. The literature currently supports a limited indication for use of InSpace: the elderly, low-demand patient with preserved active range of motion with an operatively irreparable, posterosuperior rotator cuff tear with an intact subscapularis. The InSpace subacromial balloon spacer is a simple device that can yield substantial improvements in clinical outcomes among a subset of patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears. InSpace is not a panacea for the complex, irreparable rotator cuff tear. Individualized decision-making is necessary in this diverse and challening patient population.