A new attempt to treat Ellman III PASTA lesions: arthroscopic side-to-side anastomosis of longitudinal split tendon.

Abstract

To investigate the surgical method and therapeutic effect of longitudinal tendon splitting and side-to-side anastomosis on Ellman III partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) lesions under arthroscope. Thirty-two patients with Ellman III PASTA lesions were treated with the method. Joint range of motion, Visual Analogue Score (VAS), University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores were recorded and compared before surgery and at the last follow-up, and postoperative pain and functional improvement were comprehensively evaluated. At the last postoperative follow-up, the patients had anterior flexion (168.69 ± 4.99) °, abduction (167.72 ± 4.88) °, external rotation (82.44 ± 3.20) °, and internal rotation (68.25 ± 4.04) °. At the last follow-up, VAS, UCLA, and ASES scores were improved, respectively. The technique of longitudinal tendon splitting and side-to-side anastomosis under arthroscopy has little damage to the normal tissue of bursa-sided supraspinatus muscle, which is an effective method for treating Ellman III PASTA lesions.