COMLEX USA Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Master the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam

Hawkin's test is a clinical maneuver specifically designed to assess shoulder impingement, particularly focusing on the subacromial space. During this test, the shoulder is flexed to 90 degrees with the elbow bent, and then the clinician internally rotates the arm. This action compresses the tendons of the rotator cuff beneath the acromion. If the patient experiences pain during this maneuver, it indicates potential impingement of the rotator cuff tendons, typically due to inflammation or structural issues in the shoulder joint.

The other tests mentioned, although related to shoulder pathology, have different specific indications. Neer's test also evaluates for impingement, but the question specifies only one test. Yergeson's test is primarily used to assess biceps tendon pathology, and the Cross Arm test is more indicative of acromioclavicular joint issues rather than direct shoulder impingement. Thus, Hawkin's test stands out as a prominent diagnostic tool for identifying shoulder impingement.