empty can test

A clinical test used to identify injury/pathology of the supraspinatus and said to isolate supraspinatus muscle activity from that of other rotator cuff muscles

empty can test

An orthopedic test of the shoulder, used to determine the integrity of the supraspinatus muscle. With the patient sitting or standing, the shoulder is fully internally rotated, abducted to 90 degrees, and placed in 30 degrees of forward flexion, as if emptying a beverage can. The patient then attempts to maintain this position against resistance. Inability to hold this position, or pain while holding it, suggests pathology of the supraspinatus muscle.

Synonym: Jobe test