Degenerative Disease of the Shoulder

A variety of degenerative or degenerative‐like processes affect the shoulder in elderly patients. Hydroxyapatite crystal deposition disease produces intratendinous and intrabursal calcification or, more rarely, intra‐articular calcification. Disruption of the rotator cuff leads to characteristic plain film and arthrographic abnormalities whereas the impingement syndrome, owing to entrapment of periarticular soft tissues between the greater tuberosity and coracoacromial ligamentous arch, is best demonstrated by fluoroscopy. Additional degenerative disorders include adhesive capsulitis and osteoarthritis.