Empty can/Full can tests

The Empty can test and Full can test are used to diagnose shoulder injuries. Specifically, these physical examination maneuvers examine the integrity of the supraspinatus muscle and tendon.[1]

Test procedures

In both tests, the patient is placed in a standing or sitting position, and the arms are raised parallel to the ground in the scapular plane.[2] The tests differ in the rotation of the arm; in the Empty can test, the arm is rotated to full internal rotation (thumb down) and in the Full can test, the arm is rotated to 45° external rotation.[1] Once rotated, the clinician pushes down on either the wrists or the elbow, and the patient is instructed to resist the downward pressure.[1][2][3]

Test results

The test is considered positive if weakness, pain or both are present during resistance.[1][2][3] A positive test result suggests a tear to the supraspinatus tendon or muscle, or neuropathy of the suprascapular nerve.[3]

Effectiveness

In Orthopedic Physical Assessment Atlas and Video (2011), Magee and Sueki provide the following data on the interrater reliability, specificity, and sensitivity data regarding the Empty can test.[1]

Reliability/Specificity/Sensitivity[1]
Reliability k = 0.43
Specificity 62% - 89.5%
Sensitivity 25% - 88%

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Magee, David J; Sueki, Derrick (2011). Orthopedic Physical Assessment Atlas and Video: Selected Special Tests and Movements. St. Louis, Missouri: Saunders. pp. 122t, 126. ISBN 978-1-4377-1603-0.
  2. 1 2 3 Konin, Jeff G; Wiksten, Denise L; Isear, Jerome A; Brader, Holly (2006). Special Tests for Orthopedic Examination (3rd ed.). Thorofare, New Jersey: SLACK incorporated. p. 24. ISBN 978-1-55642-741-1.
  3. 1 2 3 Loudon, Janice; Marcie, Swift; Bell, Stephania (2008). The Clinical Orthopedic Assessment Guide. Lower Mitcham, South Australia: Human Kinetics. p. 148. ISBN 978-0-7360-6709-6.

External links

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