Which test requires elevating the upper extremity 90° in the plane of the scapula with external rotation (thumbs up) and is positive for pain or weakness?

• A. Napoleon's Sign
• B. Patte's Test
• C. Full Can
• D. Hawkins/Kennedy

Answer: (C)

The test is designed to isolate the supraspinatus by having the arm elevated to about 90 degrees in the scapular plane with the palm facing upward (external rotation, thumbs up) and then resisting the arm as the patient attempts to hold that position. This setup recruits the supraspinatus to initiate abduction while minimizing impingement, so if there is a tendon tear or tendinopathy you’ll typically see pain or weakness when the examiner applies downward resistance. That positive response points to supraspinatus pathology.

If you’re comparing to other tests, that’s the one that uses the thumbs-up position in the scapular plane to specifically test this muscle, whereas other maneuvers target different tissues or use different arm positions.