[An x-ray study in the diagnosis of rotator cuff injuries]

The author has studied 142 x-ray films and 132 arthrograms of patients with various lesions of the rotator cuff and has found that in none of the cases has a correct roentgenological diagnosis been made outside his own department. The main routine x-ray and arthrographic signs of such lesions are described. The conclusion is made that in spite of inability of each particular x-ray method to reveal precise dimensions of the gap of the rotator cuff a combined roentgenological examination permits one to determine indications to surgery and elaborate an adequate operative strategy.