During Neer's test, pain with forward flexion most strongly suggests which condition?

• A. Shoulder impingement
• B. Bicipital tendinopathy
• C. AC joint arthritis
• D. Frozen shoulder

Answer: (A)

Neer's test targets subacromial impingement by compressing the rotator cuff tendons and subacromial bursa under the acromion as the arm is passively moved into forward flexion. If pain is produced during that forward-flexion motion, it strongly suggests impingement in the subacromial space, often involving the supraspinatus tendon. This pattern is more characteristic of impingement than other shoulder conditions.

Bicipital tendinopathy tends to cause anterior shoulder pain and pain with resisted forearm flexion or supination, not the classic impingement reproduction. AC joint arthritis typically presents with pain at the top of the shoulder and with cross-body or horizontal adduction movements. Frozen shoulder shows a global loss of range of motion and stiffness in multiple directions, rather than a sharp, reproducible impingement pain on forward flexion.