Which test is most commonly used to evaluate supraspinatus involvement in the shoulder?

Which test is most commonly used to evaluate supraspinatus involvement in the shoulder?

• A. Adson test
• B. Empty can test
• C. Phalen test
• D. Finkelstein test

Answer: (B)

The test focuses on isolating the supraspinatus, the muscle that initiates shoulder abduction and whose tendon is commonly torn or inflamed in rotator cuff problems. In this maneuver, the arm is placed about 90 degrees of abduction in the scapular plane with the arm internally rotated (as if emptying a can). The patient then resists downward pressure. A weakness or pain during this resisted movement points to supraspinatus involvement, making it a simple and targeted way to assess this tendon. Other options test different conditions: the Adson maneuver looks for thoracic outlet or vascular/compressive issues, the Phalen test screens for carpal tunnel syndrome, and the Finkelstein test checks for De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

The test focuses on isolating the supraspinatus, the muscle that initiates shoulder abduction and whose tendon is commonly torn or inflamed in rotator cuff problems. In this maneuver, the arm is placed about 90 degrees of abduction in the scapular plane with the arm internally rotated (as if emptying a can). The patient then resists downward pressure. A weakness or pain during this resisted movement points to supraspinatus involvement, making it a simple and targeted way to assess this tendon.

Other options test different conditions: the Adson maneuver looks for thoracic outlet or vascular/compressive issues, the Phalen test screens for carpal tunnel syndrome, and the Finkelstein test checks for De Quervain's tenosynovitis.