Hawkins–Kennedy test

System: Muscles, Bones & Joints Signs · All muscles, bones & joints signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

The arm is raised forward to shoulder height with the elbow bent, then rotated inward; pain at the front of the shoulder is a positive result.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with subacromial impingement of the rotator cuff tendons.

◈ Behind the name

Described by Canadian orthopaedic surgeon R. J. Hawkins and P. J. Kennedy in 1980.

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.