Since partial-thickness tears of the rotator cuff were described well by Codman in 1934, they have been extensively discussed in all kinds of literatures. Partial-thickness tears of the rotator cuff are now considered to play a more significant role than previously in inducing patients' disability. Partial-thickness cuff tears deserve more clinical attention. Both accurate diagnosis and proper surgical repair are very essential. The cognition of partial-thickness tears has been deepened in the last decades. In this paper we will review the etiology, classification and clinical evaluation of partial-thickness tears of the rotator cuff.
Diagnosis, Differential ; Diagnostic Imaging ; Humans ; Rotator Cuff Injuries ; Wounds and Injuries ; classification ; diagnosis ; etiology