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Professional Technical IVT

PASTA lesion

Pronunciation: PASS-tuh

Partial articular-sided supraspinatus tendon avulsion, a specific type of rotator cuff tear pattern.

Full Definition

PASTA lesion is an acronym for Partial Articular-sided Supraspinatus Tendon Avulsion, representing a specific pattern of rotator cuff pathology. This lesion involves a partial-thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon that occurs on the articular (joint) side, typically at the tendon's insertion on the greater tuberosity. PASTA lesions are commonly seen in overhead athletes and may be associated with impingement syndrome. The tear pattern is characterized by fraying and delamination of the tendon fibers, often extending into the deeper layers while leaving the bursal surface intact. Diagnosis is typically made through MRI or arthroscopy, and treatment may range from conservative management to arthroscopic repair depending on tear size and symptoms.

Usage

Usage note: Acronym should be defined on first use; specific to supraspinatus tendon pathology.

In Context

  • "MRI arthrogram revealed a high-grade PASTA lesion involving 75% of the tendon thickness." — Radiological report
  • "Arthroscopic repair of the PASTA lesion was performed using double-row suture anchor technique." — Surgical procedure documentation

Also known as

articular-sided partial rotator cuff tear

Contrasted with

bursal-sided tear

Don't confuse with

full-thickness rotator cuff tear bursal-sided PASTA

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