In the Empty Can test, weakness with pain is most consistent with which condition?

In the Empty Can test, weakness with pain is most consistent with which condition?

• A. Rotator cuff tear
• B. Adhesive capsulitis
• C. Glenoid labrum tear
• D. AC joint arthritis

Answer: (A)

The Empty Can test focuses on the supraspinatus portion of the rotator cuff. When the arm is raised to about 90 degrees in the scapular plane and the patient tries to resist downward pressure with the thumbs pointing down, weakness accompanied by pain points to pathology of the supraspinatus tendon, most commonly a rotator cuff tear or significant tendinopathy. This is because the supraspinatus tendon is stressed in this position as it passes beneath the acromion, making it the most likely tendon to be torn or irritated. Adhesive capsulitis would show global stiffness across multiple movements, not a focal weakness with this resisted test. Glenoid labrum tears typically present with mechanical symptoms like catching or instability rather than isolated supraspinatus weakness. AC joint arthritis causes pain localized to the AC joint and pain with cross-body movements rather than a targeted weakness on resisted abduction.

The Empty Can test focuses on the supraspinatus portion of the rotator cuff. When the arm is raised to about 90 degrees in the scapular plane and the patient tries to resist downward pressure with the thumbs pointing down, weakness accompanied by pain points to pathology of the supraspinatus tendon, most commonly a rotator cuff tear or significant tendinopathy. This is because the supraspinatus tendon is stressed in this position as it passes beneath the acromion, making it the most likely tendon to be torn or irritated.

Adhesive capsulitis would show global stiffness across multiple movements, not a focal weakness with this resisted test. Glenoid labrum tears typically present with mechanical symptoms like catching or instability rather than isolated supraspinatus weakness. AC joint arthritis causes pain localized to the AC joint and pain with cross-body movements rather than a targeted weakness on resisted abduction.