In the empty can test, which plane is used for arm elevation?

In the empty can test, which plane is used for arm elevation?

• A. Frontal plane.
• B. Sagittal plane.
• C. Scapular plane.
• D. Transverse plane.

Answer: (C)

Elevation in the scapular plane is used because it lines up with the shoulder’s natural orientation, making the supraspinatus the primary muscle loaded during the test. In the empty can position, the arm is raised about 90 degrees in this plane with internal rotation (thumbs down), which stresses the supraspinatus tendon while reducing excessive help from the deltoid. This setup helps reveal weakness or pain specific to the supraspinatus. Elevating in other planes tends to recruit the deltoid more or places the arm in a position that doesn’t isolate the supraspinatus, so they’re less effective for assessing that tendon.

Elevation in the scapular plane is used because it lines up with the shoulder’s natural orientation, making the supraspinatus the primary muscle loaded during the test. In the empty can position, the arm is raised about 90 degrees in this plane with internal rotation (thumbs down), which stresses the supraspinatus tendon while reducing excessive help from the deltoid. This setup helps reveal weakness or pain specific to the supraspinatus. Elevating in other planes tends to recruit the deltoid more or places the arm in a position that doesn’t isolate the supraspinatus, so they’re less effective for assessing that tendon.