Empty Can Test

http://medicine.ucsd.edu/clinicalmed/Shoulder-Supraspinatus.jpg
|
Patient Position |
The subject can either sit or stand with their shoulder abducted to 90°, horizontally adducted to 30°, and internally rotated so the thumb is pointing to the ground. (It can also be performed with external rotation so the thumb is pointing upward toward the ceiling) |
| Examiner Position | The examiner should be facing the patient with one hand on top of the forearm. This should prepare the subject to resist the motion of abduction |
| Evaluation | The examiner resist's the subject's attempt to actively abduct the shoulder. |
| Positive Test Indication | Weakness or pain would indicate a positive test. Also, use of the supraspinatus and/or tension demonstrates weakness. |
Page Information
|
Wiki Information |
Recent PBwiki Blog Posts |