Assesses for weakness in the supraspinatus arising from scapular dyskinesia.

  • Scapular Retraction Test

  • Supraspinatus weakness
  • Scapular winging

Patient Position
  • Standing or sitting
Examiner Position
  • Behind the patient
Steps of Performance
  1. Perform the Empty Can Test:
    • Internally rotate patients arm, abduct the arm to 90°, and hold in the scapular plane
    • A downward force is applied on the patient’s forearm while the patient resists
  2. Repeat the Empty Can Test with the scapula stabilized in a retracted position
    • The examiner stabilizes the anterior shoulder firmly with their hand over the clavicle, while their forearm rests on the medial boarder of the scapula
Alternative Methods

Scapular retraction improves supraspinatus strength by establishing the stability necessary for supraspinatus contraction to transmit maximum force to the humoral head. In comparison, the presence of excessive protracted or retracted scapular positions undermine this transmission of force.

General

Positives

Improved strength in resisted abduction following scapular stabilization

  • Scapular dyskinesia

Pertinent Negatives

Continued weakness or pain at the supraspinatus insertion

  • sprain
  • strain

DATA
TAGS
References
Khazzam M, Gates ST, Tisano BK, Kukowski N. Diagnostic Accuracy of the Scapular Retraction Test in Assessing the Status of the Rotator Cuff. Orthop J Sports Med. 2018;6(10):2325967118799308. Published 2018 Oct 4. doi:10.1177/2325967118799308

Assesses for weakness in the supraspinatus arising from scapular dyskinesia.

  • Supraspinatus weakness
  • Scapular winging

Patient Position
  • Standing or sitting
Examiner Position
  • Behind the patient
Steps of Performance
  1. Perform the Empty Can Test:
    • Internally rotate patients arm, abduct the arm to 90°, and hold in the scapular plane
    • A downward force is applied on the patient’s forearm while the patient resists
  2. Repeat the Empty Can Test with the scapula stabilized in a retracted position
    • The examiner stabilizes the anterior shoulder firmly with their hand over the clavicle, while their forearm rests on the medial boarder of the scapula
Alternative Methods

Scapular retraction improves supraspinatus strength by establishing the stability necessary for supraspinatus contraction to transmit maximum force to the humoral head. In comparison, the presence of excessive protracted or retracted scapular positions undermine this transmission of force.

General

Positives

Improved strength in resisted abduction following scapular stabilization

  • Scapular dyskinesia

Pertinent Negatives

Continued weakness or pain at the supraspinatus insertion

  • sprain
  • strain