title: Observations on impingement.
abstract: The combined interaction of four elements produces lesions of the rotator cuff, commonly known as impingement. The elements are: vascular, degenerative, traumatic, and mechanical or anatomic factors. The elements are interrelated, and each affects the tendons in a manner that contributes to tendon weakening. It is unlikely that any one element is solely responsible for cuff lesions; the nature of each lesion is determined by the factors that predominate in that individual case. The net result is degeneration of the tendons.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20037.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Neviaser
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Neviaser
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D012782:Shoulder; D012785:Shoulder Joint; D013710:Tendons / Q000473:pathology*