ASSESSMENT OF OUTCOME IN SHOULDER ARTHROPLASTY

This article discusses outcome measures for the patient requiring shou lder arthroplasty and the weaknesses and strengths of various assessme nt tools in current use. The optimal method to measure the outcome of patients with shoulder arthroplasty is yet to be defined; however, the ideal assessment should include measures of general health, a shoulde r-specific assessment, and an assessment that is specific to the disea se state for which shoulder arthroplasty is indicated. The authors als o provide appendices with their recommended calculations for the evalu ation of the shoulder arthroplasty patient.