[Evaluating histologic findings of the rotator cuff of the shoulder]

Tearing of the rotator cuff is normally due to degenerative changes of the supraspinator tendon. The vascular situation as well as histological findings in elderly patients--oedema, necrosis and hyalinosis--are reasons for the defect. A classical rupture caused by a real trauma is very rare; it is therefore better to call these typical findings "rotator cuff defect". Regular histological examination is necessary for the classification as traumatic rupture or degenerative defect.