Diagnostic ultrasound has been and is becoming an increasingly valuable tool for the orthopedic surgeon in the evaluation of the musculoskeletal system. Ultrasound has been found to be an extremely important tool in the effective evaluation and efficient management of rotator cuff disorders. It helps to educate surgeons regarding a patient’s shoulder, patients regarding their own shoulder, and surgeons regarding the shoulder in general. All of the principles acquired through shoulder ultrasound can be applied to the entire musculoskeletal system.