Postero-superior Rotator Cuff Tears

The postero-superior rotator cuff is the most common location for full-thickness rotator cuff tears and leads to a significant amount of shoulder pain and disability annually. Advancements in arthroscopy and imaging have permitted improved identification of these tear patterns. Tears may be categorized as crescent, U-shaped, L-shaped, reverse-L-shaped or massive, contracted, immobile tears. The specific tear pattern is important as each pattern has a recommended treatment method based on biomechanical considerations.