Rotator cuff injury, that is, the partial or complete rupture of one or more of its constituent tendons, is a very common condition especially in the elderly patient and generally occurs as the end result of a degenerative process of the tendon structures. In the young patient, where the tendon structures are intact, it can occur as a result of a high-energy traumatic event. Rotator cuff tendon injuries are a common cause of painful shoulder.
Radiologic imaging, with MRI, is a useful feature that can ascertain complete injury of one or more cuff tendons and demonstrate the presence of edema in adjacent soft tissue or trabecular bone at the insertion of the injured tendon structures. Radiologic imaging is a useful diagnostic element, but not able to be completely distinctive between an acute injury on degenerated tendon or on healthy tendon, so for a more confident diagnosis, radiologic imaging must be combined with the patient’s clinical picture and anamnestic reports.