[Systematics of injuries of the rotator cuff and biceps tendon].

PERFORMANCE: Injuries of the rotator cuff and the biceps tendon demonstrate different patterns, which can be recognized clinically and radiologically. ACHIEVEMENTS: These patterns are impingement syndrome with additional trauma, isolated trauma of the rotator cuff and shoulder dislocation causing rotator cuff tears. Furthermore, it is clinically crucial to evaluate the extent of a rotator cuff injury. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATION: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice to differentiate these patterns.