User:Bcobb3/Empty Can Test

The Empty Can Test is a manual muscle test for the supraspinatus muscle in the shoulder. It is used to to discover possible supraspinatus pathologies such as a subacromial impingement, or a musculotendinous lesion.

Empty Can Test

Purpose
The Empty Can Test is a manual muscle test for the supraspinatus muscle. The special test is used to discover a subacromial impingement or a lesion to the musculotendinous unit.

Procedure
While the patient is seated, the examiner abducts the glenohumeral joint to 90 degrees. The elbow is then extended, the humerus internally rotated, and the forearm is pronated so that the thumb points downward (like holding an empty can). The examiner provides downward pressure, resisting abduction

Mechanism
The Empty Can Test tests the strength of the supraspinatus muscle.

Results
If weakness or pain occurs during the movement, the supraspinatus tendon could be affected in three different ways. It could be impinged btween the head of the humerus and the coracoacromial arch. It could also simply be inflamed, or contain a lesion. However, pain alone does not always mean that a supraspinatus pathology is present.

Adverse effects (or "legal issues")
The Empty Can Test is not the most reliable test for a supraspinatus pathology. The Full Can Test is often recommended because it is less pain provoking.