Hawkins's test

Indications

• test for rotator cuff impingement

Clinical significance

• forces rotator cuff against coracoacromial ligament worsening pain if inflammation or tear of the rotator cuff is present

Procedure

• with the patient standing or sitting, arm at 90 degrees of abduction, brought 90 degrees forward with 90 degrees of elbow flexion, push distal forearm inward towards chest as patient tries to rotate arm outward
• anterior shoulder pain or pain located to the subacromial space is a positive sign

Interpretation

• positive with rotator cuff impingement

More general terms

• rotator cuff impingement test/sign

Additional terms

• shoulder pain