| 0 | tear lacks full thickness communication between bursal and articular surfaces |
| I | small complete tear (puncture) |
| II | moderate < 2 cm tear involving one tendon without retraction |
| III | large 3-4 cm complete tear involving entire tendon with minimal retraction of torn edge |
| IV | massive tear involving two or more cuff tendons, associated retraction and scarring of remaining tendon ends. tears irreparable |