Sonographic evaluation of the rotator cuff.

This article emphasizes the utility of ultrasound examination in the diagnosis of rotator cuff disease. A complete description is given of the way in which ultrasound examination of the shoulder is performed, the illustrations demonstrating normal anatomy as well as staging of the disease. The use of ultrasound in this setting can help to prevent a great deal of the pain associated with shoulder injury by establishing the nature and stage of injury before rotator cuff tear occurs.