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Chennai, 30 January 2025: Rela Hospital has successfully performed Tamil Nadu’s first orthopedic ‘balloon’ implantation on a senior citizen with a severe shoulder injury—a rotator cuff tear in his right shoulder, caused by an electric shock. The InSpace balloon, positioned between the shoulder blade and arm bone, is designed to reduce pain, improve biomechanics, and strengthen the muscles in the affected area.
Before the implantation, a minimally-invasive arthroscopic surgery was performed to treat the rotator cuff tear. The patient, Mr. Rajaprakasam, a 65-year-old avid swimmer, will need to wear an arm sling for the next six weeks. He will undergo assistive rehabilitation and is expected to fully regain mobility in the shoulder joint within three months.
The patient experienced an electric shock about four months ago that resulted in a massive rotator cuff tear in his right shoulder. He was unable to raise his shoulder beyond 70 degrees, while a normal range of motion is typically 150 to 170 degrees. The patient tried to manage the condition conservatively with physiotherapy, but as the pain worsened and shoulder movement continued to decrease, he opted for the surgery.
Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, CEO, Rela Hospital, said, “Performing Tamil Nadu’s first balloon implantation for shoulder mobility is a significant milestone in our commitment to advanced, minimally invasive surgical solutions. This breakthrough procedure alleviates pain, enhances biomechanics, and strengthens muscles, offering new hope to patients with shoulder injuries. At Rela Hospital, we are dedicated to bringing cutting-edge medical innovations to improve patient outcomes. Our unwavering focus on patient-centric care ensures that every breakthrough we achieve translates into a better quality of life for those we serve.”
In his comments, Dr. Prakash Ayyadurai, Orthopedic Surgeon and Consultant – Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine, who performed both the balloon implantation and the arthroscopic procedure, stated that the rotator cuff consists of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. It enables a wide range of arm movements, including lifting and rotating. A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more tendons are damaged or torn. This can result from sudden trauma or repeated overhead motions. Such injuries are commonly seen in athletes and senior citizens. “For this patient, we performed a minimally invasive arthroscopy to repair the damaged muscles. We also deployed a technique for muscle advancement, because the muscles had retracted after the injury. Following the successful completion of the arthroscopic surgery, we proceeded with the balloon implantation. This is the first time such an implantation has been performed in the state. Thanks to these interventions, we were able to prevent further loss of function, joint degeneration, and permanent disability of the shoulder.”
On the balloon implantation, Dr. Ayyadurai stated that this technology – InSpace Balloon, is a boon for senior citizens who are not medically fit to undergo surgery under general anesthesia. The balloon is made of biodegradable material. It is inserted through a small incision and positioned between the humeral head (upper arm bone) and the acromion (shoulder blade). The balloon is then inflated with saline to create a cushion that reduces friction, enhances biomechanics, and relieves pressure on the joint. The balloon is temporary, as it degrades within approximately 12 months, allowing the repaired muscles to regain strength and restore full mobility.
