Partial-thickness articular surface supraspinatus tears: a new transtendon suture technique.

Abstract

The standard technique for repairing partial-thickness tears of the supraspinatus tendon includes completion of the lesion to a full-thickness tear. Partial articular-side supraspinatus tendon avulsions (PASTA) form a subgroup deserving special consideration. We present a transtendon suture technique that is able to preserve the intact tendon fibers and to achieve firm attachment of the tendon to the humeral footprint using 1 double-loaded bone anchor. The surgical technique is described in detail, and pitfalls and complications are noted. The clinical results of the first 22 consecutive patients are reported, showing an increase in the UCLA score from 17.1 to 31.2 points and a patient satisfaction rate of 91%.