The Positive Empty Can Test primarily assesses pathology of which structure?

The Positive Empty Can Test primarily assesses pathology of which structure?

• A. Supraspinatus
• B. Infraspinatus
• C. Subscapularis
• D. Teres Minor

Answer: (A)

The test targets the supraspinatus tendon. In this maneuver the arm is raised about 90 degrees in the scapular plane with the shoulder in internal rotation (thumbs pointing downward), and the patient resists downward pressure. The deltoid is minimized in this position, so the supraspinatus is the primary muscle checked for strength and tenderness. A positive result—pain or diminished strength—points to supraspinatus tendinopathy or a tear. Other rotator cuff muscles are tested with different maneuvers: the infraspinatus and teres minor with resisted external rotation, and the subscapularis with tests that place the arm in internal rotation behind the back (lift-off or similar). Thus the empty can position is specifically useful for isolating supraspinatus pathology.

The test targets the supraspinatus tendon. In this maneuver the arm is raised about 90 degrees in the scapular plane with the shoulder in internal rotation (thumbs pointing downward), and the patient resists downward pressure. The deltoid is minimized in this position, so the supraspinatus is the primary muscle checked for strength and tenderness. A positive result—pain or diminished strength—points to supraspinatus tendinopathy or a tear.

Other rotator cuff muscles are tested with different maneuvers: the infraspinatus and teres minor with resisted external rotation, and the subscapularis with tests that place the arm in internal rotation behind the back (lift-off or similar). Thus the empty can position is specifically useful for isolating supraspinatus pathology.