The full can test is more sensitive for tears in which structure?

The full can test is more sensitive for tears in which structure?

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

Answer: (A)

The full can test targets the supraspinatus tendon. By elevating the arm to about 90 degrees in the scapular plane with the thumb up and asking the patient to resist downward pressure, you place loading on the supraspinatus while minimizing other motions. If there is a tear in this tendon, the patient’s strength is reduced and pain or weakness will appear during the resisted elevation, making the test more likely to detect supraspinatus tears. Tests for other rotator cuff structures rely on different movements (for example, resisted external rotation for infraspinatus or internal rotation maneuvers for subscapularis), so the full can maneuver better isolates the supraspinatus tendon. Hence, it’s the more sensitive option for tears in that specific structure.

The full can test targets the supraspinatus tendon. By elevating the arm to about 90 degrees in the scapular plane with the thumb up and asking the patient to resist downward pressure, you place loading on the supraspinatus while minimizing other motions. If there is a tear in this tendon, the patient’s strength is reduced and pain or weakness will appear during the resisted elevation, making the test more likely to detect supraspinatus tears.

Tests for other rotator cuff structures rely on different movements (for example, resisted external rotation for infraspinatus or internal rotation maneuvers for subscapularis), so the full can maneuver better isolates the supraspinatus tendon. Hence, it’s the more sensitive option for tears in that specific structure.