Which finding best indicates shoulder impingement during the Hawkins-Kennedy test?

Which finding best indicates shoulder impingement during the Hawkins-Kennedy test?

• A. Shoulder impingement
• B. Rotator cuff tear
• C. Glenoid labrum injury
• D. Deltoid strain

Answer: (A)

The Hawkins-Kennedy maneuver traps the subacromial tissues (like the supraspinatus tendon and subacromial bursa) under the acromion by bringing the arm into forward flexion and internal rotation. If this motion reproduces pain in the shoulder, it signals subacromial impingement because the tendons and bursa are being compressed in that space. While other shoulder problems can cause pain, the specific sign this test aims to elicit is impingement from mechanical compression under the acromion, so reproduced shoulder pain is the best indicator.

The Hawkins-Kennedy maneuver traps the subacromial tissues (like the supraspinatus tendon and subacromial bursa) under the acromion by bringing the arm into forward flexion and internal rotation. If this motion reproduces pain in the shoulder, it signals subacromial impingement because the tendons and bursa are being compressed in that space. While other shoulder problems can cause pain, the specific sign this test aims to elicit is impingement from mechanical compression under the acromion, so reproduced shoulder pain is the best indicator.