Question

Difficulty: MediumPhysical Examination Findings

Match each physical examination maneuver of the shoulder with the specific underlying pathology or pathophysiological mechanism it is primarily designed to assess.

  • Hawkins-Kennedy testCompression of the supraspinatus tendon against the coracoacromial arch
  • Lift-off testTear or dysfunction of the subscapularis tendon
  • Cross-body adduction testDegenerative joint disease of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint
  • O'Brien test (Active compression test)Superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) tear

Answer

Hawkins-Kennedy evaluates coracoacromial arch impingement; Lift-off evaluates subscapularis dysfunction; Cross-body adduction evaluates AC joint pathology; O'Brien evaluates SLAP tears.
Each physical exam maneuver is biomechanically designed to stress a specific anatomical structure in the shoulder. The Hawkins-Kennedy maneuver compresses the subacromial space. The lift-off maneuver isolates the subscapularis muscle. Cross-body adduction compresses the AC joint. The O'Brien maneuver stresses the superior labrum.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the Hawkins-Kennedy test.
It evaluates subacromial impingement.
Forward flexing the arm and forcibly internally rotating it mechanically compresses the supraspinatus tendon.
2
Analyze the Lift-off test.
It assesses the subscapularis muscle.
This specific position isolates the subscapularis as the primary internal rotator.
3
Analyze the Cross-body adduction test.
It evaluates the acromioclavicular (AC) joint.
Adduction across the chest physically compresses the AC joint space.
4
Analyze the O'Brien test.
It evaluates for superior labral (SLAP) tears.
The maneuver generates joint shear that is characteristic of labral pathology when pain varies with rotation.

Key Concept

Accurate localization of shoulder pathology requires specific provocative physical examination maneuvers that isolate distinct anatomical structures.
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