Which sign indicates a possible rotator cuff tear aside from strength loss?

• A. Positive empty can (Jobe) test indicating supraspinatus weakness
• B. Positive Hawkins-Kennedy test
• C. Positive Phalen test
• D. Positive Finkelstein test

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that rotator cuff tears most commonly involve the supraspinatus, so a test that directly probes this tendon helps identify a tear. The empty can (Jobe) test places the arm in about 90 degrees of forward flexion with the arm internally rotated (thumb down) and asks the patient to resist the examiner’s downward pressure. A positive result—pain and/or weakness during this resisted abduction—points to supraspinatus tendon pathology, which is highly suggestive of a rotator cuff tear.

This makes it the best choice because it isolates the supraspinatus, giving a direct clue about rotator cuff involvement. Other signs listed are less specific: Hawkins-Kennedy primarily indicates subacromial impingement and can be positive with RC pathology but isn’t as specific for a tear; Phalen and Finkelstein test assess wrist conditions and are not related to the shoulder.