Rotator cuff assessment on imaging.

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint providing it strength and stability. The rotator cuff consists of the subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus and teres minor. Many shoulder complaints are caused by rotator cuff pathology such as impingement syndrome, tendon tears and other diseases e.g. calcific tendonitis. Diagnosis starts with clinical history and physical examination, after which imaging is often used to help confirm clinical findings depending on the differential diagnosis. The aim of the article is to review the frequently used imaging modalities to assess the rotator cuff and cuff-related disease, specifically focusing on radiography, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. This article will outline the advantages and disadvantages for each modality and illustrate typical radiological findings of common rotator cuff pathologies.