Ellman Classification (Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tear)
Grades a partial-thickness rotator cuff tear seen at arthroscopy by the Ellman classification, from its side and depth.
Open the calculator → Runs in your browser. Data leaves only if you deliberately send a problem report from the interactive tool.
Example
- Where the tear is
- A: articular side
- Tear depth
- 4 mm
Result: Ellman grade 2, type A: a partial-thickness articular-side tear 3 to 6 mm deep.
The tool opens with these values already filled in. Replace them with your own.
What you enter
- Where the tear is
- Tear depth (needed for a partial tear)
How this is calculated
Citation
Ellman H. Diagnosis and treatment of incomplete rotator cuff tears. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1990;(254):64-74. Bi AS, Verma NN. Classifications in Brief: The Ellman and Snyder Classifications of Partial-thickness Rotator Cuff Tears. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2025;483(3):411-414. Read the sources: Ellman 1990 ↗, Bi 2025 ↗
A reference and educational tool. Not medical, legal, or financial advice, and not a substitute for clinician judgment.