The subacromial impingement syndrome describes the pathological contact between the rotatory cuff and the acromion. It is only a symptom and not a generic term for the different pathological diseases of the subacromial region. It is the diagnostical aim to verify the pathogenesis of the impingement syndromes and it is essential to differentiate structural versus functional causes. The diagnosis "impingement syndrome" should not have an acromioplastic procedure as general consequence. Because the expression "impingement syndrome" does not show causal approach it should no longer be used as a diagnosis. The term subacromial syndrome, in conjunction with the underlying pathological cause, acquires more therapeutic and prognostic clarity.