Which anatomical structures are associated with a rotator cuff injury?

A rotator cuff injury specifically involves the muscles and tendons that stabilize and enable movement in the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff is made up of a group of four muscles — the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis — along with their corresponding tendons. These structures work together to maintain shoulder stability, facilitate arm movements, and provide the necessary range of motion.

Injuries to the rotator cuff can occur due to repetitive overhead activities, trauma, or degeneration over time. This directly relates to the anatomical structures involved, as damage to these muscles and tendons can lead to pain, weakness, and limited mobility in the shoulder. Understanding this connection is critical in diagnosing and treating shoulder injuries effectively.

The other options reference different anatomical locations unrelated to the shoulder. The wrist ligaments and tendons pertain to the forearm and hand, the elbow involves different muscle and bone structures, and the knee focuses on ligaments and cartilage associated with the lower limb. Consequently, they do not pertain to the shoulder or the rotator cuff specifically.