[Etiology of rotator-cuff-tears and consequences for legal assessment]

Traumatic or degenerative etiology of rotator-cuff-tears is a matter of controversial discussion in legal proceedings. This article presents a review on the literature about current knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics and pathogenesis of rotator-cuff pathology. According to this a catalogue of potentially adequate and inadequate trauma mechanisms is proposed. Furthermore clinical history and examination as well as sonographic and radiologic findings and intraoperative pathology may help to distinguish between traumatic and degenerative changes of rotator-cuff lesions. The keypoints for and against traumatic etiology of rotator-cuff-tears are mentioned that could help the expert in the preparation of an adequate expert opinion.