Shoulder - Empty Can Test

24/01/2007

Listen "Shoulder - Empty Can Test"

Episode Synopsis

Click to Play The empty can test is used to assess for the presence of injury/pathology to the supraspinatus.  This test is also known as the supraspinatus strength test.  The patient is either seated or standing with his arms in a position of scapation (approximately 30-degrees of horizontal adduction with the shoulders abducted to 90-degrees).  The patient attempts to resist downward overpressure being applied by the examiner.  A positive result occurs when the patient is unable to resist the force.