Chennai: A 97-year-old man regained the use of his left shoulder after doctors at a city hospital performed a minimally invasive surgery to treat a massive rotator cuff tear. Doctors used a biodegradable balloon implant under a regional nerve block instead of general anaesthesia due to his age and heart condition.The elderly man had suffered a fall at home that left him with a severe tear in the rotator cuff of his left shoulder — a group of muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder joint and help in lifting and rotating the arm. Despite nearly a month of rest and conservative treatment, he continued to experience severe pain and was unable to use his left arm.Doctors at Rela Hospital performed an arthroscopic procedure using a biodegradable balloon spacer that was inserted through tiny keyhole incisions under the shoulder bone. The balloon acts as a cushion between the bones, reducing painful friction and helping restore shoulder movement. It dissolves a few months without leaving behind any permanent implant.Dr Ashok S Gavaskar, clinical lead, orthopedics and head of joint replacement services, Rela Hospital, said the patient’s age and underlying cardiac condition made general anesthesia risky. “The tear was massive and could not be repaired using conventional methods. Performing the procedure under an interscalene nerve block allowed us to keep the patient comfortable while avoiding the risks of general anesthesia and ensuring a safer recovery,” he said.The patient was discharged within two days after early physiotherapy and arm support. “Tears are increasingly common among older adults as a result from age-related weakening of tendons — a minor fall can cause a major tear. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking and years of repetitive overhead activity further increase the risk,” said Dr Prakash Ayyadurai, consultant, orthopedics, arthroscopy and sports medicine.
