The Empty Can test is a screening tool for tears of the supraspinatus muscle or tendon.
The test is performed as follows:
1)Abduct the patient's arm to 90 degrees and angle the arm forward 30 degrees at the shoulder joint.
2)Have the patient internally rotate at the shoulder as if pouring a can on the floor
3)Resist the patient in abduction from this position and assess for weakness or pain
The test is positive if there is significan pain or weakness on resistance.
