What is the primary purpose of the Hawkins Kennedy test?

What is the primary purpose of the Hawkins Kennedy test?

• A. To assess subacromial impingement under forced internal rotation.
• B. To assess biceps tendinopathy.
• C. To evaluate AC joint arthritis.
• D. To measure ROM in external rotation.

Answer: (B)

The Hawkins-Kennedy test is used to detect subacromial impingement. By placing the arm in about 90 degrees of flexion with the elbow also flexed and then forcibly internally rotating, the test narrows the space under the coracoacromial arc and pinches the rotator cuff tendons and subacromial bursa, especially the supraspinatus. A reproducible impingement pain suggests subacromial impingement syndrome. This isn’t a test for biceps tendinopathy—that’s typically evaluated with maneuvers like Speed’s or Yergason’s that specifically stress the biceps tendon. It also doesn’t measure range of motion; ROM is assessed with movement tests of the shoulder. And it isn’t a dedicated test for AC joint arthritis, which is evaluated with different maneuvers such as cross‑body adduction or specific AC joint tests.

The Hawkins-Kennedy test is used to detect subacromial impingement. By placing the arm in about 90 degrees of flexion with the elbow also flexed and then forcibly internally rotating, the test narrows the space under the coracoacromial arc and pinches the rotator cuff tendons and subacromial bursa, especially the supraspinatus. A reproducible impingement pain suggests subacromial impingement syndrome.

This isn’t a test for biceps tendinopathy—that’s typically evaluated with maneuvers like Speed’s or Yergason’s that specifically stress the biceps tendon. It also doesn’t measure range of motion; ROM is assessed with movement tests of the shoulder. And it isn’t a dedicated test for AC joint arthritis, which is evaluated with different maneuvers such as cross‑body adduction or specific AC joint tests.