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Updated: Mar 14, 2026

An Alternative to the Traditional Cold Pressor Test: The Cold Pressor Arm Wrap
Published on: January 16, 2014
Empty can and drop arm tests for cuff rupture : Improved specificity after subacromial injection
Abstract:
Shoulder disorders are common in the general population : they occur in about 25 of every 1000 patients per year. A rather large majority are caused by cuff disorders. Differentiating between impingement and cuff rupture is essential to adequate treatment. Clinical tests have been developed, but their accuracy is limited. This study was performed to improve clinical accuracy by combining single tests and adding a subacromial injection. We postulated that the empty can and drop arm tests would result in higher sensitivity and specificity after subacromial injection.
Method:
We prospectively assessed 49 patients with the empty can and drop arm tests and used ultrasound to compare the individual and combined results.
Result:
The ultrasound found six cuff ruptures. Specificity improved and sensitivity decreased after subacromial injection.
Conclusion:
Only specificity improved after subacromial injection. Combining the test results led to an increase in both sensitivity and specificity without injection.
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Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
Sites for measuring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
Korotkoff Sounds
During blood pressure assessment, inflating the cuff 30 millimeters of mercury above the patient's systolic blood pressure...
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.

