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Illustration showing the Goutallier grading of fatty degeneration of the rotator cuff muscles, in supraspinatus and infraspinatus.
Case Discussion
The Goutallier classification of rotator cuff muscle fatty degeneration is used in clinical practice when reporting shoulder MRI and CT to help convey the degree of muscle loss in a standardized fashion. Assessment with ultrasound is possible but it is more difficult to be accurate.
The supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles will be more commonly affected due to the increased incidence of rotator cuff tendon tears.