Outcome analysis following open rotator cuff repair. Early effectiveness validated using four different shoulder assessment scales

Evaluation of upper extremity function after reconstructive surgery is incr easingly important both to predict outcome and for the control of cost-effe ctiveness. Three validated, self-administered shoulder questionnaires were applied prospectively in 23 otherwise healthy patients with rotator cuff de ficiency and correlated to the Constant-Murley Shoulder Score and a visual analogue scale for satisfaction. Seven women and 16 men with combined tears of supraspinatus and infraspinatus (mean age 55.3 +/- 10.5 years, r/l: 14/ 9, follow-up 57.8 +/- 15.7 weeks) were gathered prospectively and evaluated pre- and postoperatively with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (AS ES) Shoulder Index, the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Module (DASH questionnaire). Additionally, a vis ual analogue scale for satisfaction was employed. All four scores and the v isual analogue scale revealed improvement at a statistically significant le vel (P < 0.01) after surgery. All questionnaires showed a significant corre lation with the Constant-Murley Shoulder Score (ASES: r = 0.871, P < 0.01; DASH: I = -0.758, P < 0.01, SST: r- = 0.494, P < 0.05, Pearson's correlatio n coefficient). Taken together, all questionnaires were easy to apply, and reliable evaluation of shoulder function was possible with significant corr elation to the Constant-Murley Shoulder Score postoperatively. The SST was easy to apply, and compound outcome analysis was possible with the ASES Sho ulder Index and DASH questionnaire. The DASH scale was the most complex eva luation instrument. The Constant-Murley Shoulder Score comprises a physical examination, which is advantageous but restricts the application to the of fice. For postoperative assessment without the patient having to return to the clinic, the ASES Shoulder Index is preferred because of its good correl ation to the Constant-Murley Shoulder Score (r = 0.871) and the visual anal ogue scale for satisfaction (r = 0.762).