A Positive Empty Can Test is most closely associated with a Rotator Cuff tear.

A Positive Empty Can Test is most closely associated with a Rotator Cuff tear.

• A. Biceps Tendinopathy
• B. AC Joint Pathology
• C. Adhesive Capsulitis
• D. Rotator Cuff Tear

Answer: (D)

The Empty Can test targets the supraspinatus muscle, a key component of the rotator cuff. When the arm is placed in 90 degrees of forward flexion with internal rotation (thumb down) and a downward resisted force is applied, the supraspinatus is the primary muscle tested. If the tendon is torn or inflamed, weakness or pain arises, giving a positive result. This directly points to rotator cuff pathology because the supraspinatus is one of the tendons most commonly involved in rotator cuff tears. Other conditions involve different structures—biceps tendinopathy affects the biceps tendon, AC joint pathology shows up with pain at the AC joint with cross-body movements, and adhesive capsulitis presents with widespread loss of range of motion rather than a focal supraspinatus deficit. Therefore, a positive Empty Can test best aligns with a rotator cuff tear.

The Empty Can test targets the supraspinatus muscle, a key component of the rotator cuff. When the arm is placed in 90 degrees of forward flexion with internal rotation (thumb down) and a downward resisted force is applied, the supraspinatus is the primary muscle tested. If the tendon is torn or inflamed, weakness or pain arises, giving a positive result. This directly points to rotator cuff pathology because the supraspinatus is one of the tendons most commonly involved in rotator cuff tears. Other conditions involve different structures—biceps tendinopathy affects the biceps tendon, AC joint pathology shows up with pain at the AC joint with cross-body movements, and adhesive capsulitis presents with widespread loss of range of motion rather than a focal supraspinatus deficit. Therefore, a positive Empty Can test best aligns with a rotator cuff tear.