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Jobe's test (empty can)
System: Muscles, Bones & Joints Signs · All muscles, bones & joints signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
The arm is held out to the side at shoulder height, turned so the thumb points down like emptying a can, and the patient resists downward pressure; weakness or pain is positive.
What a positive finding suggests
Associated with injury or weakness of the supraspinatus tendon of the rotator cuff.
◈ Behind the name
Frank Jobe (1925–2014), American orthopaedic surgeon, famous for 'Tommy John' surgery.
Related signs — Muscles, Bones & Joints Signs
Browse the J section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.
Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.