This case illustrates a typical full-thickness rotator cuff tear and discusses findings, which should be included in the radiological report ^1-4: 

• grading of the rotator cuff tear (full-thickness, partial-thickness) including increased fluid in the subacromial/subdeltoid bursa
• the shape of the rotator cuff tear - important for the selection of the surgical technique ³
• tear dimensions including tendon retraction, Patte classification ⁶
• tear extension into other rotator cuff muscles or adjacent structures - in this case, the distal infraspinatus tendon
• atrophy assessed by the tangent sign ⁷ or by cross-sectional area ^3,9
• fatty degeneration of the affected muscles (Goutallier classification) ⁸
• suspected cause or mechanism of the rotator cuff tear including signs of impingement, decreased acromiohumeral distance, tendon degeneration, glenohumeral instability
• other findings e.g. calcific tendinitis or excessive cystic change/erosions of the greater tubercle could affect surgical repair