Jobe’s Test (Empty can)

Published July 2, 2026 Read time 1 min read Readers 4
Jobe Test

What is the "Jobe's Test (Empty can)" used for?

  • Weakness or insufficiency of the supraspinatus muscle
  • Rotator cuff impingement

How to perform the "Jobe's Test (Empty can)"?

  • The test is performed by placing the shoulder in 90 degrees of abduction and 30 degrees of forward flexion and internally rotated so that the thumb is pointing toward the floor.

What is the positive result?

  • Muscle testing against resistance shows weakness or insufficiency of the supraspinatus owing to a tear or pain associated with rotator cuff impingement

Test Accuracy

  • Sensitivity: 88 %
  • Specificity: 62 %

References

  • Campbel’s Operative Orthopaedics Book
  • Empty can Test | Orthofixar
  • Landreau, Philippe & Zumstein, Matthias & Lubiatowski, Przemyslaw & Laver, Lior. (2018). Shoulder Injuries in Handball. 10.1007/978-3-662-55892-8_14. Link