Partial Articular Supraspinatus Tendon Avulsion (PASTA) Rotator Cuff Tear

The Partial Articular Supraspinatus Tendon Avulsion better known as a PASTA is the most common tear of the rotator cuff. It is present in up to 37% of the population and accounts for 90% of all partial thickness rotator cuff tears.

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Brief overview of the episode:

In this episode we discuss the PASTA rotato cuff tear. PASTA is an acronym for Partial Articular Supraspinatus Tendon Avulsion. This is a partial thickness tear of the supraspinatus. It is thought that the presents of this type of tear is between 17-37% of the population at any time. People 80 and over will show this tear 80% of the time. Upward of 90% of all partial thickness tears of the rotator cuff are PASTA type tears.

Some common characteristics of individuals with a PASTA are, overhead athletes, younger people and being a smoker. Symptoms include pain, weakness and loss of range of motion.

Unfortunately this tear has a tendency to increase as time passes. This seems to be due to a combination of activity, poor vascularization and thinner and less organized collagen. Physical therapy is recommend early and in almost all cases regardless of the size of tear. The goals are to reduce pain, increase range of motion and strength and eliminate the need for surgery.

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Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are used to treat a range of issues. From asthma, lupus and organ rejections too rashes and inflammation. They have been hailed as a wonder drug and for some people they are but there are some side effects to we aware of.
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Thanks for listening!!

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Brief overview of the episode:

Corticosteroids are used to suppress inflammation and immune response. They are commonly used to treat lupus, asthma, arthritis, autoimmune disease, as an anti-rejection medication, Addison’s disease, and for diagnostic purposes. Glucocorticoids are natural produced by the adrenal glands from cholesterol with Cortisol being the basis for corticosteroids.

Most people are familiar with cortisone, hydrocortisone and prednisone but there are many other versions all used to treat different areas. Corticosteroids can be administered in an number of routes, oral, pill, cream and injection. Oral is the most common.

Prednisone is the most common oral corticosteroid. This form of administration means the corticostroids travel around the entire body. Which leads to a great potential for side effects because more systems are involved. Thankfully short-term use is not typically associated with any meaningful issues. Long-term use does however present some issues.

Some of the more common and concerning side effects include, glaucoma, skin thinning, diabetic issues, bone health issues, immune system suppression (when that is not the desired use) and both high and low blood pressure.

When corticosteroids are used and monitored appropriately there is little concern for significant side effects.

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Neuropathy: Episode 118

Rhizotomy: Episode 116

Role of Modalities in PT: Episode 90