Methods

This is prospective pilot study carried out adhering to the local approval process. Patients having massive cuff tear with pain or functional limitation were seen by consultants and MRI confirmed the diagnosis. The patients were explained of ‘all available’ treatment options and information leaflet about the new procedure balloon arthroplasty, provided. Patients were seen after 4 weeks in a dedicated clinic to find out if they were willing to participate. Patients were seen by a physiotherapist pre and post-operatively at 6 weeks then at 3, 6 and 12months in addition to medical follow-ups, using VAS, Oxford Shoulder, Constant and SF36 scores. All procedures were carried out by consultant shoulder surgeons and where the cuff was reparable or contraindications identified were excluded.