Classification of Patte for a Rotator Cuff Tear

Patte developed a classification for a torn rotator cuff. The author is from the Clinique Medicochirurgicale Les Fontaines in Melun, France.

Parameters:

(1) location of the tear

(2) type of tear

(3) other findings

Tear Location	Type of Tear	Other	Type
supraspinatus	partial thickness within the tendon		I
supraspinatus	full thickness < 1 cm (small)		II
supraspinatus, infraspinatus or subscapularis	full thickness < 3 cm (medium)		III
complex	massive	osteoarthritis	IV

where:

• Osteoarthritis may take some time to develop.

Type IV appears to encompass one or both of the following:

(1) a full thickness tear >= 3 cm

(2) involvement of 2 or 3 of the tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis)

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