Examination of the Rotator Cuff - Jobe Test - Clinical Examination

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The Jobe test (empty can test) is used to test the supraspinatus muscle, an abductor of the shoulder, in isolation. The patient is examined in the seated or standing posture with the arm in extension. The examiner passively abducts, flexes, and internally rotates the patient's arm at the shoulder joint (similar to the action of emptying a can). This posture eliminates the contribution of the deltoid muscle to shoulder abduction. The patient is asked to hold this position, which should be possible if there is no pathology of the supraspinatus muscle. The examiner then exerts downward pressure on the extended arm while asking the patient to raise the arm against resistance. The test is considered positive if the patient is unable to do so or complains of pain on doing so. A positive Jobe test indicates a pathology of the supraspinatus muscle (e.g., supraspinatus weakness, tendon rupture, rotator cuff tear, subacromial bursitis).

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