What is the Empty Can Test?
The Empty Can Test, along with the Full Can Test is a commonly used orthopedic examination test for supraspinatus impingement or integrity of the supraspinatus muscle and tendon. The test is also sometimes called the Empty Beer Can Test. The supraspinatus is one of the four rotator cuff muscles.
Involved Structures
- supraspinatus tendon
- supraspinatus muscle
George S. Athwal, MDApril D. Armstrong, MD, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Starting Position
The test is usually easier in sitting or standing. On the side to be tested, one of the examiner’s hands stabilizes shoulder girdle. The arm to be tested is moved into 90 degrees of forward flexion in the plane of the scapula (approximately 30 degrees of abduction), full internal rotation with the thumb pointing down as if emptying a beverage can.
Test Movement
The examiner’s other hand applies downward pressure on the superior aspect of the distal forearm and the patient resists.
Positive Test
The Empty Can Test is considered positive if there is significant pain and/or weakness. Pain alone is less accurate than actual weakness, especially when the arm is tested in full can position (45degrees of external rotation) as pain can be the result of supraspinatus tendonitis or other injured or inflamed structures. Weakness can be the result of a tear in the supraspinatus muscle or tendon but can also be the result of pain induced inhibition. Pain is usually felt in the subacromial region but can sometimes be felt into the upper arm.
Accuracy of Empty Can Test
The test accuracy is questionable; pain may be a result of multiple different structures and may not be indicative of actual muscle or tendon tear. The test is more accurate for detecting a tear in the muscle or tendon if very significant weakness is present.
Video Demonstration
video source: sheenalivingstone’s Channel on YouTube
>> Return to the list of Orthopedic Tests of the Shoulder
Other tests for rotator cuff pathology:
- Drop Arm Test
- Gerber’s Lift Off Test
- Hawkins Test / Hawkins-Kennedy Impingement Test
- Neer Impingement Test
- Painful Arc Test
Additional reading on shoulder orthopedic testing:
The Bare Minimum: Donatelli Shoulder Method Assessment and Treatment
The Bare Minimum: Donatelli Shoulder Method is an evidence based book that describes the assessment and treatment techniques of Dr. Robert Donatelli and Donn Dimond. It includes mobility testing, strength tests, and special tests along with mobilization techniques and exercises for treating shoulder pathophysiology.
Special Tests for Orthopedic Examination
First published more than 20 years ago, Special Tests for Orthopedic Examination, now in its Fourth Edition, continues to follow the authors’ initial goals of providing a simple, pocket-sized manual for practical learning purposes.