Dr. Mirzayan is the inventor of *Biologic Tuberoplasty*™, a minimally invasive, arthroscopic procedure where donated human skin is attached to the top of the ball of the ball and socket joint in patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears and who may have been told they need a reverse shoulder replacement. The procedure is a same day surgery, lasts about 1 hour and patients can be back to sports relatively quickly with minimal downtime
What Is Biologic Tuberoplasty?
Biologic tuberoplasty is a minimally invasive shoulder procedure used to treat large or irreparable rotator cuff tears when the torn tendon cannot be repaired.
In a healthy shoulder, the rotator cuff tendons help keep the upper arm bone centered in the joint. When these tendons are severely torn and cannot be repaired, the upper arm bone may move upward and rub against the shoulder blade. This can cause pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm.
Biologic tuberoplasty uses a biologic graft (usually donated dermal tissue) placed over the top of the arm bone. The graft acts like a protective cushion, helping reduce painful bone-to-bone contact during shoulder movement.
The goal of the procedure is to reduce pain and improve shoulder function.
When is Biologic Tuberoplasty Recommended?
Biologic tuberoplasty may be recommended for patients who have:
- Massive rotator cuff tears that cannot be repaired
- Persistent shoulder pain despite conservative treatment
- Difficulty lifting or using the arm
- A desire to avoid or delay shoulder replacement surgery
It is often considered for patients who want a less invasive option when a full rotator cuff repair is not possible.
How Is Biologic Tuberoplasty Performed?
The procedure is typically performed using arthroscopic surgery, which involves small incisions and a tiny camera.
During the procedure, your surgeon:
- Inserts a small camera into the shoulder joint.
- Cleans the damaged tissue around the rotator cuff.
- Places a biologic graft over the greater tuberosity (the top of the arm bone).
- Secures the graft with small surgical anchors.
The graft provides a smooth, biologic surface that helps reduce friction and pain when the shoulder moves.
Most procedures are completed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients return home the same day.
Recovery After Surgery
Recovery varies depending on the individual patient and the condition of the shoulder.
Typical recovery includes:
- Sling use for several weeks
- Gradual physical therapy to restore motion and strength
- Return to light activities in 4 to 6 weeks
- Continued improvement in function over several months
Your surgeon will provide a personalized rehabilitation plan.
Benefits of Biologic Tuberoplasty
Potential benefits include:
- Relief from chronic shoulder pain
- Improved ability to lift and move the arm
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Shorter recovery compared with major shoulder reconstruction
- May delay or avoid shoulder replacement surgery
