Empty can/Full can tests

Empty can/Full can tests

The Empty can test and Full can test are clinical examination techniques used in physical therapy and orthopedics to assess the integrity of the supraspinatus muscle and rotator cuff tendons.

Pronunciation

• Empty can test: /ˈɛmpti kæn tɛst/
• Full can test: /fʊl kæn tɛst/

Etymology

The terms "empty can" and "full can" are derived from the positions the patient's arm takes during the tests, which resemble the actions of emptying and holding a full can, respectively.

Procedure

In the Empty can test, the patient's arm is elevated to 90 degrees, fully internally rotated, and then the patient is asked to resist downward pressure. Pain or weakness during this test indicates a possible supraspinatus tear or impingement.

In the Full can test, the patient's arm is elevated to 90 degrees, in the plane of the scapula, with the thumb pointing upwards. The patient is then asked to resist downward pressure. Pain or weakness during this test indicates a possible supraspinatus tear.

Related Terms

• Supraspinatus muscle
• Rotator cuff
• Physical therapy
• Orthopedics
• Clinical examination

See Also

• Neer's sign
• Hawkins-Kennedy test
• Drop arm test

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Empty can/Full can tests
• Wikipedia's article - Empty can/Full can tests

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