Dr. Tasto studies various aspects of surgical techniques and treatments specifically for conditions affecting the shoulders and joints. His work includes exploring new surgical methods for repairing rotator cuff injuries, which are common tears in the shoulder, and he investigates the outcomes of using advanced materials for these repairs. He also examines minimally invasive procedures to treat synovial disorders—conditions that affect joint linings—allowing faster recovery and less pain for patients. Additionally, Dr. Tasto looks into the effects of electrical stimulation on nerve function, particularly for individuals dealing with muscle weakness due to conditions like hemiplegia.
Key findings
Suture anchors inserted deeply in shoulder surgeries failed sooner, holding up to 164 N compared to 133 N for standard anchors and 113 N for proud anchors.
The use of a bioabsorbable screw and washer for rotator cuff repair led to significantly longer delays in gap formation, with improvements of 5 and 10 mm compared to traditional sutures, enhancing repair stability.
Arthroscopic synovectomy for conditions like pigmented villonodular synovitis and rheumatoid arthritis resulted in less recovery time and improved joint mobility compared to traditional open surgery.
The supraclavicular fossa portal technique simplified rotator cuff repair surgeries, facilitating easier and faster surgical procedures.
Electrical stimulation improved muscle strength in patients with hemiplegia, increasing the strength required to lift their foot.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Tasto study shoulder surgeries?
Yes, Dr. Tasto focuses on improving surgical techniques for shoulder surgeries, particularly rotator cuff repairs.
What treatments has Dr. Tasto researched?
Dr. Tasto has researched various treatments including bioabsorbable implants for rotator cuff repairs and arthroscopic methods for joint disorders.
Is Dr. Tasto's work relevant to patients with joint pain?
Yes, his research, especially on minimally invasive procedures, aims to improve outcomes for patients suffering from joint pain.
Can Dr. Tasto's research help patients with nerve issues?
Yes, his studies on electrical stimulation have shown promise in improving muscle strength for patients with nerve-related weaknesses.
What conditions does Dr. Tasto focus on treating?
Dr. Tasto focuses on conditions such as rotator cuff injuries, joint disorders, and issues arising from nerve damage.
Publications in plain English
Failure mode of suture anchors as a function of insertion depth.
2005
The American journal of sports medicine
Bynum CK, Lee S, Mahar A, Tasto J, Pedowitz R
Plain English This study looked at how deep suture anchors are placed in shoulder surgeries and how that affects their failure when under stress. Researchers found that anchors inserted deeply failed sooner due to the suture cutting through the bone, while anchors placed at standard and proud levels experienced more wear and ultimately broke during the testing. Deeply placed anchors had a higher load capacity before failing, holding up to 164 N compared to 133 N for standard anchors and 113 N for proud anchors.
Who this helps: Patients undergoing shoulder surgery benefit from this knowledge as it can lead to better surgical outcomes.
Biomechanical evaluation of a new technique for rotator cuff repair.
2003
The American journal of sports medicine
Petit CJ, Boswell R, Mahar A, Tasto J, Pedowitz RA
Plain English This study looked at a new way to fix rotator cuff injuries using a special bioabsorbable screw and washer instead of the usual sutures. The researchers found that the bioabsorbable implant held the tendon repairs together better, with delays in gap formation of 5 and 10 mm being significantly longer—meaning a more stable repair. This is important because it might lead to fewer failures shortly after surgery, improving recovery for patients.
Who this helps: Patients recovering from rotator cuff surgery.
Arthroscopic treatment of synovial disorders in the shoulder, elbow, and ankle.
2002
The journal of knee surgery
Bynum CK, Tasto J
Plain English This study looked at the use of a minimally invasive surgery called arthroscopic synovectomy to treat various joint issues in the shoulder, elbow, and ankle. Researchers found that this method is especially effective for conditions like pigmented villonodular synovitis and rheumatoid arthritis, providing a more detailed view of the joint and requiring less recovery time compared to traditional open surgery. This matters because it can improve mobility and reduce pain for patients who don't get relief from other treatments.
Who this helps: Patients suffering from joint disorders.
The use of the supraclavicular fossa portal in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
2000
Arthroscopy : the journal of arthroscopic & related surgery : official publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association
Ciccone WJ, Miles JW, Cheon SJ, Ash S, Esch J +1 more
Plain English This study looked at a new approach to fixing rotator cuff tears using a technique called the supraclavicular fossa portal, which offers better access during surgery. The authors explained how to position patients and perform the surgery effectively to make the repair process easier and faster. This improvement is important because it can make surgery less complicated and potentially speed up recovery for patients.
Who this helps: Patients undergoing rotator cuff repair surgery.
Peroneal nerve conduction velocity after chronic electrical stimulation.
1975
Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
Waters RL, McNeal DR, Tasto J
Plain English This study looked at how electrical stimulation affects the speed at which signals travel through the peroneal nerve in nine patients who had weakness on one side of their body (hemiplegia). After about two years of stimulation, the speed was similar in the affected and unaffected legs (average speeds of 46.1 and 47.3 meters per second, respectively), while the control group showed slower speeds. Although the speeds between the groups were not significantly different, all the patients who received stimulation experienced an increase in the strength needed to lift their foot.
Who this helps: This helps patients with hemiplegia by improving their muscle strength.