The full can test increases sensitivity for detecting tears in which tendon?

The full can test increases sensitivity for detecting tears in which tendon?

• A. Infraspinatus tendon
• B. Subscapularis tendon
• C. Supraspinatus tendon
• D. Biceps tendon

Answer: (C)

The full can test specifically stresses the supraspinatus tendon to reveal tears. In this maneuver the arm is placed in the scapular plane with about 30 degrees of forward elevation and the thumb pointing upward, and the patient resists downward pressure. This position concentrates the load on the supraspinatus as the primary initiator of abduction, while the deltoid’s contribution is limited. If a tear or significant tendinopathy is present, weakness or pain will be evident here, making this stance more sensitive for detecting supraspinatus pathology than other tests. Other tendons are assessed with different maneuvers: the infraspinatus is tested with resisted external rotation, the subscapularis with internal rotation and other specific tests, and the biceps with tests like Speed’s or Yergason’s. Thus, the full can test is particularly useful for identifying tears in the supraspinatus tendon.

The full can test specifically stresses the supraspinatus tendon to reveal tears. In this maneuver the arm is placed in the scapular plane with about 30 degrees of forward elevation and the thumb pointing upward, and the patient resists downward pressure. This position concentrates the load on the supraspinatus as the primary initiator of abduction, while the deltoid’s contribution is limited. If a tear or significant tendinopathy is present, weakness or pain will be evident here, making this stance more sensitive for detecting supraspinatus pathology than other tests.

Other tendons are assessed with different maneuvers: the infraspinatus is tested with resisted external rotation, the subscapularis with internal rotation and other specific tests, and the biceps with tests like Speed’s or Yergason’s. Thus, the full can test is particularly useful for identifying tears in the supraspinatus tendon.