[Radiographic signs of rotator cuff tears in the shoulder]

In 42 patients affected by disruption of the whole layer of the shoulder rotator collar the authors compared radiographic changes on a simple radiograph in anterior-posterior projection with operation findings. The proliferative changes on the large trochanter of humerus and the humeroacromial distance were decisive for prognosis of the operation therapy for the disrupted collar. The patients with a shorter humeroacromial distance were affected, after the operation, by a worse external rotation of the arm, worse extension and muscular strength of the arm in the extension position. Radiographic changes observed on the shoulder together with other factors are decisive for the strategy of conservative and operation therapy.