Which of the following is a common shoulder injury found among athletes?

Rotator cuff tears are a common shoulder injury among athletes due to the physical demands placed on the shoulder joint in many sports. The rotator cuff consists of a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder and allow for a wide range of motion. Athletes involved in sports that require repetitive overhead motions, such as baseball, swimming, and tennis, are particularly susceptible to these injuries.

The mechanics of throwing, swinging, or serving can lead to wear and tear on the rotator cuff, potentially resulting in tears. This type of injury often presents with pain, weakness, and limited range of motion, significantly affecting an athlete's performance and ability to participate in their sport. Additionally, rotator cuff injuries can stem from acute trauma or degenerative changes over time, making them prevalent in both younger and older athletes.

By contrast, the other options represent injuries that are not specific to the shoulder. Herniated discs occur in the spine and primarily affect the lower back. Tennis elbow is an overuse injury affecting the elbow, characterized by pain on the outer part of the elbow. Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the wrist, resulting from pressure on the median nerve. Thus, rotator cuff tears are distinctly recognized as prevalent injuries related directly to shoulder usage in