We evaluated the operative findings of the partial rotator cuff tears on MRI using our classification. We examined 61 cases (average age 62.2 years old) with partial rotator cuff tears who were performed preoperative MRI and ARCR from June 2003 to May 2009. We classified the shapes of the torn cuff end into four groups (signal abnormal type, signal abnormal and swelling type, cut off end type, tapered end type) on MRI and compared this with the operative findings which were classified capsular side tear, bursal side tear and both side tears. Signal abnormal type and signal abnormal and swelling type were inclined to conform to the partial capsular side tears. Cut off end type and tapered end type were inclined to conform to the partial busal side tears.
