When performing the Empty-Can/Jobe Test, what position should the patient's shoulder be in?

The correct position for the patient's shoulder during the Empty-Can/Jobe Test is medially rotated and approximately 30 degrees forward. This specific positioning is critical for accurately assessing potential rotator cuff injuries, particularly involving the supraspinatus muscle.

When the shoulder is medially rotated, it places the supraspinatus in a position where it is required to actively stabilize and initiate movement against resistance. The 30 degrees forward flexion also aligns the arm in a plane that effectively isolates the function of the supraspinatus during the test. This alignment helps to elicit any pain or weakness associated with rotator cuff pathology, allowing for proper assessment of the shoulder’s functional status.

Other positions, such as lateral rotation or a neutral position, may not engage the supraspinatus in the same way and could lead to inconclusive or non-specific findings regarding shoulder injuries. This makes the correct positioning essential for the accuracy and reliability of the Empty-Can/Jobe Test results.