Partial Articular Surface Tendon Avulsion (PASTA)

A partial articular surface tendon avulsion (PASTA) is a frequently encountered articular-sided partial-thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon. Also referred to as "rim-rents," these tears are patients younger than 45 years of age and those who participate in overhead sports. Without treatment, they can turn into full-thickness tears.

More recently, a bony PASTA lesion has been described. The bony PASTA lesion is a partial avulsion of the bony footprint of the supraspinatus tendon without disruption of the tendon fibers or avulsion of the entire greater tuberosity.

References

• Bhatia DN, de Beer JF, van Rooyen KS. The bony partial articular surface tendon avulsion lesion: an arthroscopic technique for fixation of the partially avulsed greater tuberosity fracture. Arthroscopy. 2007 Jul;23(7):786.e1-6.
• Millstein ES, Snyder SJ. Arthroscopic management of partial, full-thickness, and complex rotator cuff tears: indications, techniques, and complications. Arthroscopy. 2003 Dec;19 Suppl 1:189-99.