Rotator Cuff Repair — Subacromial Balloon Spacer (Massive Irreparable RC Tear)

Dr. Michael C. Fu MD (Hospital for Special Surgery) · Michael C. Fu, MD, MHS

Weight-Bearing

N/A

Key Restrictions

Sling 10 days; no rotation at 90 abduction until 4 wks; no abduction or 90/90 ER until 6 wks; if DCE: hold cross-body adduction until 8 wks; strengthening only 5-6x/week, not more than once daily

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-3 wks): sling + PROM/AAROM + isometrics -> Phase II (4-7 wks): progress AROM flexion + resistance bands -> Phase III (8-12 wks): dynamic strengthening to full overhead AROM -> Phase IV (12+ wks): return to activity + lifelong maintenance program

Notes

Stryker InSpace balloon spacer for massive irreparable RC tears; not a rotator cuff repair - no tendon healing restrictions; lifelong maintenance exercise program recommended

Surgeon / Author

Michael C. Fu, MD, MHS