title: The "Double-Pulley" Technique for Arthroscopic Fixation of Partial Articular-Side Bony Avulsion of the Supraspinatus Tendon: A Rare Case of Bony PASTA Lesion.
abstract: We report the use of the double-pulley technique for arthroscopic fixation of the bony PASTA (partial articular surface tendon avulsion) lesion. Arthroscopic examination documented a 15-mm-long and 8-mm-wide comminuted bony avulsion with 2 main fragments. Two double-loaded suture anchors were placed with a transtendinous technique at the anterior and posterior edges of the lesion respecting the tendon insertion to the avulsed fragment. The medial sutures were retrieved through the intact supraspinatus tendon medially to the fracture. The sutures were initially coupled in a double-pulley configuration generating 2 sutures oriented from anterior to posterior; then a simple suture for each anchor oriented from medial to lateral was obtained. At the end of the procedure, the adequacy of reduction and stability of the fragments were confirmed. At 2 months from surgery, radiographic healing of the fracture was noted and integrity of the supraspinatus tendon insertion to the footprint was confirmed by arthro-magnetic resonance imaging, with full recovery of daily activities and complete active range of motion confirmed at 6 and 12 months. The double-pulley technique allows optimal reduction of bony fragments and reconstruction of normal footprint anatomy even in comminuted fractures. Moreover, it creates a waterproof reduction of the fragments, protecting the fracture site from synovial fluid.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedics and Traumatology Section, Department of Biotechnologies and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Murena
authors.forename: Gianluca
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Canton
authors.forename: Daniele A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Falvo
authors.forename: Eugenio A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Genovese
authors.forename: Michele F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Surace
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cherubino