Long-term results after arthroscopic treatment of symptomatic Ellman grade 2 PASTA lesions

Background The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic long-term results of medium-sized (Ellman grade 2) partial-thickness articular-sided supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) lesions treated arthroscopically. Methods Of 22 patients, 18 (82%) were available for follow-up evaluation after a mean of 15 ± 2 years (range, 12-17 years). The mean age at time of surgery was 55 ± 9 years (range, 35-66 years). The Constant score was used as the primary outcome instrument to evaluate shoulder function. Furthermore, the University of California–Los Angeles shoulder score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and the Subjective Shoulder Value were collected. The patients’ satisfaction with the outcome was investigated. Tendon integrity of the affected shoulder at final follow-up was assessed with magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound in 89% of the cohort. Results Overall, 94% of the patients were very satisfied or satisfied with the outcome. The average Constant score of the affected shoulder was 78 ± 21 points; the University of California–Los Angeles score, 31 ± 7 points; the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, 85 ± 24 points; and the Subjective Shoulder Value, 83% ± 21%. Radiologic evaluation showed progression to a full-thickness rotator cuff tear in 6% (1/16), and 60% of the patients (6/10) showed persistent signs of partial tearing evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusion At long-term follow-up, arthroscopic treatment of medium-sized PASTA lesions resulted in good clinical results together with a high satisfaction level of the patients.