Arthroscopic Subacromial Spacer Implantation in Patients With Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Clinical and Radiographic Results of 39 Retrospectives Cases

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of a biodegradable subacromial spacer in the treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tear. Methods: Between January 2011 and December 2014, all shoulders with symptomatic massive irreparable rotator cuff tears treated at our institution with arthroscopic implantation of a biodegradable subacromial spacer followed for at least 1 year were included in our series. Patients with osteoarthritis >= grade 3 in the Hamada classification were excluded. Outcome measures included pre- and postoperative, range of motion, Constant score, acromiohumeral distance, and Hamada classification on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. Results: Thirty-nine consecutive shoulders (37 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of patients was 69.8 (53-84) years. At the last follow-up (mean 32.8 +/- 12.4 months), range of motion was significantly increased for all patients in anterior elevation (from 130 degrees to 160 degrees, P = .02), abduction (from 100 degrees to 160 degrees , P = .01), and external rotation (from 30 degrees to 45 degrees , P = .0001). The mean Constant score was also significantly (P < .001) improved from 44.8 (+/- 15.2) preoperatively to 76.0 (+/- 17.1) at the last follow-up. The mean acromiohumeral distance significantly (P = .002) decreased from 8.2 mm (+/- 3.4) to 6.2 mm (+/- 3.1) at the last follow-up. The Hamada score progressed of 1 radiographic stage in 4 shoulders (15%) and progressed of 3 stages in 2 (4%), whereas the other 32 shoulders remained stable. No intra-or postoperative complications were found except for 1 patient who required a revision for spacer migration. Conclusions: Arthroscopic implantation of a subacromial spacer for irreparable rotator cuff tear leads to significant improvement in shoulder function at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively.