[Traumatic lesions of the capsula and tendons of the shoulder joint, rupture of the rotator cuff, strain fractures (author's transl)].

Traumatic lesions of the soft tissues in the region of the rotatory cuff of the shoulder and disinsertion of the tendons in the region of the shoulder joint are rare. They are seen in older patients and--without injury--in tendons which are damaged through degeneration. The diagnosis of such disinsertions is very difficult. Therefore, special diagnostic methods are described. Disinsertions, strain fractures and traumatic lesions of the rotator cuff can be treated surgically. The operation should be done only in case of adequate indication. Function, age and clinical symptoms should be carefully considered.