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Both empty, full can tests effective, accurate in diagnosis of supraspinatus tendon tears
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Among the seven clinical tests analyzed for the diagnosis of supraspinatus tendon tears, results showed both empty and full can tests yielded effective and accurate diagnoses.
Researchers compared preoperative and intraoperative findings of the empty can test, the full can test, the 0° abduction test, the Whipple test, the scapular retraction test, the drop arm test and the modified drop arm test among 115 patients with different shoulder symptoms scheduled for shoulder arthroscopy. Researchers used the comparison to assess the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy, diagnostic odds ratio, positive and negative likelihood ratios and area under the curve of each test.
Results showed the findings for the empty can and full can tests had a significant correlation with intraoperative findings, with the full can test yielding better area under the curve. Researchers found the best diagnostic precision in muscle weakness vs. pain or both pain and muscle weakness. Although researchers were unable to distinguish between partial- and full-thickness tears using a single clinical test, the diagnostic value was improved with a combination of at least three or more tests. The best area under the curve and correlation with intraoperative findings were found when the empty can, the full can and the 0° abduction tests were combined. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.
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