Supraspinatus Test (Empty Can): How to Check for a Tear

The Supraspinatus Test, also known as the "Empty Can Test" or "Jobe Test," is a fundamental special test for the shoulder. It is used to assess the integrity of the supraspinatus muscle and tendon. Click the sections below for details on how to perform it.

1. Purpose

The primary purpose of the Empty Can Test (also known as the Supraspinatus Test or Jobe Test) is to **test for** a tear or weakness of the Supraspinatus muscle and tendon, or the presence of subacromial impingement.

2. How to Perform

1. The patient is positioned in sitting or standing.
2. The patient's shoulders are abducted to 90 degrees in the scapular plane (about 30 degrees forward from the coronal plane).
3. The patient's arms are then fully internally rotated (thumbs pointing down), as if "emptying a can."
4. The examiner places their hands on the patient's distal forearms.
5. The examiner instructs the patient to "hold" this position while they apply a downward pressure.

3. Positive & Negative Sign

Positive Sign (Test is POSITIVE):
A positive test (indicating an issue) is:

• Significant pain and/or weakness (e.g., the patient's arm gives way) when the examiner applies downward pressure, compared to the uninjured side. This suggests a tear or pathology of the supraspinatus tendon.

Negative Sign (Test is NEGATIVE):
A negative test is when the patient can hold the position against resistance without significant pain or weakness.