From Pain to Relief: Liberato F.’s Rotator Cuff Journey with Dr. Thacker and the InSpace Balloon

Meet Liberato F., a patient of Dr. Sunil Thacker from the Seaview Orthopaedics Sports Medicine Team. After working in the textile industry for 40 years, Liberato enjoys spending his retirement doing repairs around his home, tending to his garden, and cherishing time with his wife of 59 years, their two children, and three grandchildren. However, persistent shoulder pain began to affect his daily life.

Initially, Liberato believed his discomfort was caused by arthritis. A visit to a rheumatologist led to attempts at treatment with cortisone and PRP injections. However, these provided no relief. At the recommendation of two cousins who had successful surgeries with Dr. Thacker, Liberato decided to meet with him to explore other options.

After a thorough evaluation, including an MRI, it was discovered that the source of Liberato’s pain was due to a tear in his rotator cuff. Together, they reviewed the available treatment options. Dr. Thacker took the time to explain each option, weighing the pros and cons, and ultimately, they decided on the InSpace subacromial balloon spacer—an innovative arthroscopic treatment for large rotator cuff tears.

On the day of the surgery, Dr. Thacker ensured that Liberato and his family felt supported, discussing the procedure and outlining the recovery process. The surgery went smoothly, and Liberato woke up pain-free and optimistic about his future. Now, six months post-surgery, Liberato is thrilled with the results. His shoulder pain is gone, his mobility has significantly improved, and he’s back to the activities he loves without limitations. “This was a life-changing experience for me,”, he shares. Liberato is so confident, in fact, that he wants the New York Mets to know he’s ready to step in if they need his help out on the field!

Liberato’s story is a powerful reminder of the incredible impact that innovative treatments, like the InSpace balloon, can have on a patient’s life. His successful recovery is not just a testament to the advancements in orthopedic care, but also to the commitment of our team to support every patient in achieving their full potential. At Seaview Orthopaedics, we are dedicated to using the latest techniques and providing comprehensive care to ensure our patients return to doing what they love—pain-free and with greater mobility.