Which test would assess rotator cuff weakness during abduction?

Which test would assess rotator cuff weakness during abduction?

• A. Maximum elbow flexion
• B. Noble
• C. Valgus overload
• D. Empty can test

Answer: (D)

The test that best assesses rotator cuff weakness during abduction targets the supraspinatus, the muscle primarily responsible for initiating and guiding the initial part of shoulder abduction. In the empty can position, the arm is raised to about 90 degrees in the scapular plane with the arm internally rotated (thumb pointing downward). The examiner asks the patient to lift against resistance. If the supraspinatus is weak or damaged, this resisted elevation will be noticeably weak or painful, revealing weakness in abduction associated with the rotator cuff. The other options don’t test shoulder abduction or rotator cuff function. Maximum elbow flexion looks at elbow flexors, Noble is a knee IT band test, and valgus overload stresses the elbow ligaments.

The test that best assesses rotator cuff weakness during abduction targets the supraspinatus, the muscle primarily responsible for initiating and guiding the initial part of shoulder abduction. In the empty can position, the arm is raised to about 90 degrees in the scapular plane with the arm internally rotated (thumb pointing downward). The examiner asks the patient to lift against resistance. If the supraspinatus is weak or damaged, this resisted elevation will be noticeably weak or painful, revealing weakness in abduction associated with the rotator cuff.

The other options don’t test shoulder abduction or rotator cuff function. Maximum elbow flexion looks at elbow flexors, Noble is a knee IT band test, and valgus overload stresses the elbow ligaments.