[Conventional radiological markers in rotator cuff surgery]

The surgical management of a degenerative or traumatic lesion of the shoulder joint is based on anatomical, clinical, and radiologic criteria. To optimize the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients, the use of radiological imaging must be accompanied by meticulous clinical examination first. Conventional radiography is an effective complementary exam to assess the nature of shoulder joints injuries. Many conventional radiographic markers have been described, mainly for degenerative rotator cuff lesions, and are routinely used by clinicians as a screening tool. The aim of this review was to describe these different markers and define their reliability and usefulness in avoiding more expensive imaging modalities.