What does pain or weakness during the empty can test indicate?

What does pain or weakness during the empty can test indicate?

• A. Pain or weakness indicates supraspinatus tendon pathology.
• B. Pain indicates biceps tendinopathy.
• C. Pain indicates subscapularis injury.
• D. Absence of pain indicates rotator cuff tear.

Answer: (A)

Pain or weakness during the empty can test points to supraspinatus tendon pathology. The maneuver positions the arm with about 90 degrees of forward elevation and internal rotation (thumb down), then applies downward resistance. If the supraspinatus tendon is irritated, inflamed, or torn, this loading will provoke pain or weakness. A normal, healthy tendon should tolerate the resistance with little or no discomfort and maintain strength. This test is specific to the supraspinatus tendon more than to other structures. Biceps tendinopathy would typically show a response on tests that load the biceps tendon, such as resisted elbow flexion with supination or Yergason’s test. Subscapularis injury is best revealed by internal rotation strength tests like the lift-off or belly-press. Also, the absence of pain does not rule out a rotator cuff tear, since tears can sometimes be painless.

Pain or weakness during the empty can test points to supraspinatus tendon pathology. The maneuver positions the arm with about 90 degrees of forward elevation and internal rotation (thumb down), then applies downward resistance. If the supraspinatus tendon is irritated, inflamed, or torn, this loading will provoke pain or weakness. A normal, healthy tendon should tolerate the resistance with little or no discomfort and maintain strength.

This test is specific to the supraspinatus tendon more than to other structures. Biceps tendinopathy would typically show a response on tests that load the biceps tendon, such as resisted elbow flexion with supination or Yergason’s test. Subscapularis injury is best revealed by internal rotation strength tests like the lift-off or belly-press. Also, the absence of pain does not rule out a rotator cuff tear, since tears can sometimes be painless.