PASTA Injuries
PASTA Injuries
What are PASTA lesions?
PASTA injuries are identified by the acronym that stands for Partial Articular Supraspinatus Tendon Avulsion.
The supraspinatus tendon is one of the elements of the rotator cuff, a group that surrounds the humeral head and stabilizes it to perform movements.
Tendon avulsion corresponds to a traumatic tear injury, and in this case it occurs on the deepest surface of the tendon – the articular surface.
How do PASTA lesions occur and how do they manifest?
These injuries are more common in athletes who play throwing sports (such as tennis or baseball), resulting from a twisting or pulling movement of the shoulder.
Pain may be immediate or may appear a few hours after exertion, and may ease with rest and worsen with exercises involving arm opening, overhead or throwing. Earlier fatigue in activities with the hands overhead is also common.
What are the treatments for PASTA lesions?
The first line of treatment for PASTA injuries is a guided rehabilitation program, with muscle strengthening and coordination training of the shoulder and trunk. In some specific cases, or when conservative treatment is not effective, arthroscopic shoulder repair (mini-invasive) is the most indicated method, see more information about orthopedic treatments here .
