Abstract
In this prospective study of partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) lesions treated arthroscopically by an ‘all inside’ method, 12 patients (nine men and three women) with a mean age of 31 years (22 to 36) were followed up for a mean of 16 months (8 to 32). The deep partial rotator cuff tears were usually viewed from the glenohumeral joint side. Viewing the subacromial space usually revealed an entirely normal cuff with no sign of subacromial impingement. With the arthro-scope in the glenohumeral joint, the footprint area of the supraspinatus tendon was prepared and one or two anchors, each preloaded with two sutures, were passed through the rotator cuff into the footprint area of the greater tuberosity. The sutures attached to these anchors were passed through the tendon and tied in the subacromial space.
The Constant score improved from a preoperative mean of 72 to a postoperative mean of 91. The greatest increase was in power and overhead motion, especially abduction and external rotation.
PASTA lesions are difficult to diagnose, even with MRI. The ‘all inside’ method of arthroscopic repair obviates the need to detach intact fibres.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor M. B. E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to him at PO Box 47363, Parklands, Johannesburg 2121, South Africa.
