The Hawkins test, also known as the Hawkins-Kennedy test, is an orthopedic test used to assess for shoulder impingement, particularly subacromial impingement.
How the Hawkins Test is Performed:
The examiner performs the Hawkins test by:
- Flexing the patient's shoulder to 90 degrees.
- Internally rotating the patient's shoulder.
Interpretation of Results:
- Positive Test: The test is considered positive if the patient experiences pain during the internal rotation movement. This pain suggests that the supraspinatus tendon (or other rotator cuff tendons) is being compressed against the coracoacromial ligament and/or the acromion, indicating a possible subacromial impingement.
- Negative Test: If no pain is elicited, the test is considered negative, suggesting subacromial impingement is less likely. However, it's important to note that a negative test doesn't completely rule out shoulder pathology. The provided video clip notes that the test will be negative in a patient with an internal impingement.
Important Considerations:
- The Hawkins test is often used in conjunction with other orthopedic tests to help diagnose shoulder impingement.
- A positive Hawkins test alone is not sufficient for a definitive diagnosis. Further evaluation, including imaging studies (e.g., X-ray, MRI), may be necessary.
- The location and quality of the pain experienced by the patient are important factors to consider when interpreting the results.
