Reliable change and minimum important difference (MID) proportions facilitated group responsiveness comparisons using individual threshold criteria

Effectiveness of diacutaneous fibrolysis for the treatment of chronic lateral epicondylalgia: a randomized clinical trial

Objective:

To assess the end of treatment and three months after treatment effects of diacutaneous fibrolysis as adjuvant of physical therapy for chronic lateral epicondylalgia.

Design:

Double-blind (patient and evaluator) randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Primary Care Center of the Spanish NHS.

Subjects:

A total of 54 people with 60 elbows affected with chronic lateral epicondylalgia, 33 women, mean (SD) age was 48.43 (8.69) years.

Interventions:

All three groups (Intervention, Placebo and Control) received three weeks of physical therapy treatment and in addition Intervention Group received six sessions of real diacutaneous fibrolysis and Placebo Group received six sessions of sham diacutaneous fibrolysis.

Main measures:

Pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, pain free grip strength, function and subjective assessment were assessed at baseline, at the end of treatment and three months after treatment.

Results:

Between-group results at three months after treatment showed a statistically significant improvement of the Intervention Group in pain free grip strength (mean, 7.91 km/cm2; SD, 9.23) compared to the Placebo Group (mean, 1.47 km/cm2; SD, 7.86) and to the Control Group (mean, 2.09 km/cm2; SD, 4.45) ( P values <0.01 and <0.03, respectively) and also in function (mean, 20.87; SD, 14.25) compared to the Control Group (mean, 4.17; SD, 18.02) ( P < 0.01). Subjective assessment was statistically better in the Intervention Group both at the end of treatment ( P < 0.01) and three months after treatment ( P < 0.03).

Conclusion:

Diacutaneous fibrolysis added to physical therapy provides better results in the treatment of chronic lateral epicondylalgia, with greater clinical satisfaction among patients.

Manipulation under anesthesia versus physiotherapy treatment in stage two of a frozen shoulder: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus about the optimal treatment strategy for frozen shoulders (FS). Conservative treatment consisting of intra-articular corticosteroid infiltrations and physiotherapy are considered appropriate for most patients. However, with a conservative strategy, patients experience a prolonged rehabilitation period with a considerable amount of pain and disabilities in daily life. Also, at long term, a residual amount of pain and restriction of range of motion is frequently reported. Manipulation under anesthesia is a short and relative simple procedure with the potential to rapidly reduce symptoms and restore the range of motion. The objective of this trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of MUA followed by a PT program compared to a PT program alone, in the treatment of patients with a stage two FS. We hypothesize that the course of the disease can be shortened with MUA with a quicker functional recovery.

METHODS

This is a prospective, single center, randomized controlled trial. Eligible patients will be allocated to either the manipulation (MUA) group or the physiotherapy alone (PT) group. In the MUA group manipulation will be performed under interscalene block, directly followed by an intensive physiotherapy treatment protocol, with the goal to maintain the obtained range of motion. Patients allocated to the PT group are given advice and education and receive a written protocol to hand out to their physical therapist based on the recent guideline of the Dutch Shoulder Network for the treatment of frozen shoulders. Descriptive statistics will be used to describe the sample size, patients demographics, presence of diabetes mellitus, range of motion, duration of symptoms till randomization and will be presented for each treatment group. The SPADI is used as primary functional outcome parameter. Secondary outcome parameters are; OSS, NPRS, EQ-5D 3-L, passive range of motion, WORQ-UP, duration of symptoms, usage of analgesics and adverse events. A sample size of 41 subjects in each group was calculated. Follow up is planned after 1,3 and 12 months. The length of physiotherapy treatment in both groups is variable, depending on individual progression. Differences between groups in outcome parameters will be analysed using the linear mixed modelling and the restricted maximum likelihood ratio technique for estimating the model parameters.

DISCUSSION

Successful completion of this trial will provide evidence on the best treatment strategy for patients with a stage two frozen shoulder. The results of this study can lead to a better understanding for the role of manipulation in the treatment of frozen shoulders.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial is registered in the Dutch Trial Register under the number NTR6182 on the 20th of February 2017.

Why averaging multiple MUNIX measures in the longitudinal assessment of patients with ALS?

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of averaging multiple MUNIX trials on the follow-up of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

METHODS

We determined the percent relative change (%RC) of MUNIX, in healthy subjects and patients with ALS, by subtracting the MUNIX value in the second visit from the first. Both the mean of a set of three MUNIX (mean-MUNIX) and the first MUNIX sample (single-MUNIX) were evaluated. Then, we studied the sensitivity to detect relative changes over time and the statistical dispersion of the %RC from these two parameters.

RESULTS

We found that the mean-MUNIX %RC has lower mean coefficient of variation than the single-MUNIX %RC in all muscles. The mean-MUNIX also resulted in more ALS patients with significant %RC, i.e., outside reference limits.

CONCLUSION

The mean-MUNIX resulted in less dispersed values of %RC in patients with ALS and thus, increased the precision of the technique. The mean-MUNIX resulted also in an increase in the sensitivity to track changes over time in these patients.

SIGNIFICANCE

The mean-MUNIX should be considered in any ALS follow-up study as a more reliable approach and as a way of potentially reducing the sample size needed for the study.

Efecto de las intervenciones fisioterapéuticas en personas con fractura distal de radio

Introducción. La fractura distal de radio (FDR) es muy frecuente y afecta a todos los grupos poblacionales.Objetivo. Realizar una revisión sistemática de la mejor evidencia disponible para determinar el efecto de las intervenciones fisioterapéuticas sobre el dolor, el rango de movimiento, la fuerza muscular y la funcionalidad en personas con fractura distal de radio.Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de ensayos clínicos controlados en las bases de datos ScienceDirect, PubMed, Medline y Embase.Resultados. Se encontraron 14 estudios que cumplieron los criterios de selección.Conclusión. La evidencia sugiere que intervenciones terapéuticas supervisadas que incluyan modalidades físicas y del ejercicio con una duración entre 6 y 9 semanas, con un promedio de 18 sesiones y realizadas tres veces a la semana mejoran de forma significativa las variables estudiadas en pacientes con FDR. Es necesario que futuros estudios establezcan la relación dosis-respuesta de estas intervenciones.

Validation of the Spanish version of the Oxford knee score and assessment of its utility to characterize quality of life of patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis: a multicentric study

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) represents a heavy burden for patients and the society as a whole. The Oxford Knee Score (OKS) is a well known tool to assess the quality of life in patients with Knee OA. The purpose of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the OKS, including its reliability, validity, and responsiveness.

Methods

Prospective observational study that included 397 patients diagnosed with knee OA according to the criterion of the American Rheumatism Association, which were recruited in 3 different Spanish regions. Their self-perceived health-related quality of life (HRQL) was assessed through 3 questionnaires: a generic one (the EQ-5D-5 L) and two specific ones adapted to Spanish (the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Oxford Knee Score (OKS). The follow-up period was 6 months, and the acceptability of the OKS was evaluated, together with its psychometric properties, presence of ceiling and floor effects, validity, reliability, and sensitivity to change.

Results

The OKS was fully answered in 99.5% of cases, with no evidence of ceiling or floor effects. Its factor structure can be explained in a single dimension. Its discriminating capacity was very good compared to the groups generated by the WOMAC and the EQ-5D-5 L. The correlation of the OKS with the dimensions of the latter questionnaires was around 0.7. The test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC 0.993; CI 95%: 0.990–0.995) and so was its internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.920). The effect size was 0.7 for moderate improvements in the HQRL, which is similar to that of the dimensions of the WOMAC and greater than for the EQ-5D-5 L. The minimum clinically significant difference that was detected by the questionnaire was 6.1 points, and the minimum detectable change was 4.4 points.

Conclusions

The Spanish-adapted version of the OKS is a useful, valid tool for assessing the perceived HRQL in patients suffering from knee OA, with psychometric properties similar to the WOMAC, and that allows for discriminating the patient’s condition at a particular moment as well as for appraising changes over time.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12955-017-0761-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Dry needling in a manual physiotherapy and therapeutic exercise protocol for patients with chronic mechanical shoulder pain of unspecific origin: a protocol for a randomized control trial

Background

Shoulder pain of musculoskeletal origin is the main cause of upper limb pain of non-traumatic origin. Despite being one of the most common reasons for consultation, there is no established protocol for treatment due to the complexity of its etiology. However, it has been shown that the presence of myofascial trigger points on the shoulder muscles is a common condition associated with patients suffering from shoulder pain. This protocol has been created which describes the design of a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the inclusion of dry needling (DN) within a protocol of manual physiotherapy and therapeutic exercise in the treatment of chronic shoulder pain of unspecific origin.

Methods

Thirty-six participants aged 18–65 years will be recruited having mechanical chronic shoulder pain on unspecific origin and meeting the inclusion criteria. These will be randomized to one of two interventions, (i) DN, manual physiotherapy and therapeutic exercise or (ii) sham DN, manual physiotherapy and therapeutic exercise. The protocol will cover 6 weeks of treatment, with a 6-month follow-up. Our main outcome measure will be the Visual Analogue Scale for pain.

Discussion

This is the first study to combine the use of DN, manual physiotherapy and an exercise program with a 6-month follow-up, thus becoming a new contribution to the treatment of chronic shoulder pain, while new lines of research may be established to help determine the effects of DN on chronic shoulder pain and the frequency and proper dosage.

Trial registrations

International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Register: ISRCTN30604244 (http://www.controlled-trials.com) 29 June 2016.

Group- and Individual-Level Responsiveness of the 3-Point Berg Balance Scale and 3-Point Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients

OBJECTIVES

To examine both group- and individual-level responsiveness of the 3-point Berg Balance Scale (BBS-3P) and 3-point Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS-3P) in patients with stroke, and to compare the responsiveness of both 3-point measures versus their original measures (Berg Balance Scale [BBS] and Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients [PASS]) and their short forms (short-form Berg Balance Scale [SFBBS] and short-form Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients [SFPASS]) and between the BBS-3P and PASS-3P.

DESIGN

Data were retrieved from a previous study wherein 212 patients were assessed at 14 and 30 days after stroke with the BBS and PASS.

SETTING

Medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (N=212) with first onset of stroke within 14 days before hospitalization.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Group-level responsiveness was examined by the standardized response mean (SRM), and individual-level responsiveness was examined by the proportion of patients whose change scores exceeded the minimal detectable change of each measure. The responsiveness was compared using the bootstrap approach.

RESULTS

The BBS-3P and PASS-3P had good group-level (SRM, .60 and SRM, .56, respectively) and individual-level (48.1% and 44.8% of the patients with significant improvement, respectively) responsiveness. Bootstrap analyses showed that the BBS-3P generally had superior responsiveness to the BBS and SFBBS, and the PASS-3P had similar responsiveness to the PASS and SFPASS. The BBS-3P and PASS-3P were equally responsive to both group and individual change.

CONCLUSIONS

The responsiveness of the BBS-3P and PASS-3P was comparable or superior to those of the original and short-form measures. We recommend the BBS-3P and PASS-3P as responsive outcome measures of balance for individuals with stroke.

The Spanish version of the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation outcome measure: cross-cultural adaptation process, reliability, measurement error and construct validity

BACKGROUND

The Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) is a widely used measure of patient-reported disability and pain related to wrist disorders. We performed cross-cultural adaptation of the PRWE into Spanish (Spain) and assessed reliability and construct validity in patients with distal radius fracture.

METHODS

Adaptation of the English version to Spanish (Spain) was performed using translation/back translation methodology. The measurement properties of the PRWE-Spanish were assessed in a sample of 40 consecutive patients (31 women), mean age 58 (SD 19) years, with extra-articular distal radius fractures treated with closed reduction and cast. The patients completed the PRWE-Spanish and the standard Spanish versions of the 11-item Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) and EQ-5D questionnaires at baseline (health status before fracture) and at 8, 9, 12, and 13 weeks after treatment. Internal-consistency reliability was assessed with the Cronbach alpha coefficient and test-retest reliability with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) comparing responses at 8 and 9 weeks and responses at 12 and 13 weeks. Cross-sectional precision was analyzed with the Standard Error of the Measurement (SEM). Longitudinal precision for test-retest reliability coefficient was analyzed with the Standard Error of the Measurement difference (SEMdiff) and the Minimal Detectable Change at 90% (MDC₉₀) and 95% (MDC₉₅) confidence levels. For assessing construct validity we hypothesized that the PRWE-Spanish (lower score indicates less disability and pain) would have strong positive correlation with the QuickDASH (lower score indicates less disability) and moderate negative correlation with the EQ-5D Index (higher score indicates better health); Spearman correlation coefficient (r) was used.

RESULTS

For the PRWE total score, Cronbach alpha was 0.98 (SEM = 2.67) at baseline and 0.96 (SEM = 4.37) at 8 weeks. For test-retest reliability ICC was 0.94 (8 and 9 weeks) and 0.96 (12 and 13 weeks) with SEMdiff 7.61 and 6.18 and MDC₉₅ 13.74 and 12.11, respectively. The PRWE-Spanish scores had strong positive correlation with the QuickDASH scores at baseline (r = 0.71) and at 8 weeks (r = 0.79) and moderate negative correlation with the EQ-5D Index (r = -0.44 and r = -0.40, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The PRWE-Spanish showed high internal-consistency and test-retest reliability and good construct validity in patients with distal radius fracture.

The SPADI and QuickDASH Are Similarly Responsive in Patients Undergoing Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain

Study Design Prospective multicenter longitudinal cohort study. Background A key component of assessing clinical effectiveness is to compare instruments measuring similar outcomes and to select one that is sufficiently responsive. Despite their widespread use in reporting outcomes, the responsiveness of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and the shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) has not been compared and reported within the same population. Objective To compare the responsiveness of the SPADI and QuickDASH in a single large cohort of patients. Methods Seven hundred sixty-seven patients referred to physical therapy with shoulder pain completed the SPADI and QuickDASH at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6 months. Patients who improved (improvers) and those who did not improve (nonimprovers) were defined using a 7-point global rating of change scale. Internal and external responsiveness was evaluated. Results For improvers, the effect size and standardized response mean were large (greater than 1.00) at 6 weeks for both the SPADI and QuickDASH and further increased for both measures at 6 months. For participants who worsened, negative effect sizes and standardized response means were larger at 6 weeks than at 6 months. The area under the curve was similar for both the SPADI (0.81) and QuickDASH (0.78), increasing to 0.85 for both at 6 months. Conclusion Both instruments are similarly able to discriminate between clinical improvers and nonimprovers at either follow-up point. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2017;47(8):538-547. Epub 6 Jul 2017. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.7195.

Patient Reported Pain and Disability Following a Distal Radius Fracture: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

Fractures of the distal radius are common. Few studies investigating the extended long term outcomes of participants following a distal radius fracture (especially beyond 2 years) and they have relied on subjective measures or single objective tests to measure participant's final outcome.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to describe the pain and disability in long-term follow-up of participants after a distal radius fracture. Participants who had previously participated in a prospective study, where baseline and standardized one-year follow-up were performed, were contacted to volunteer to participate in this follow-up (FU) study. Sixty-five participants (17 males, 48 females) with an average age of 57 (SD 13) years at the time of injury and 67 (SD 13 years) at follow-up were evaluated at an average of 11(SD 6) years (range 2-20 years).

RESULTS

The majority of patients (85%) participants reported no change or had less pain and disability (PRWE) (<5 point difference) at their long-term follow-up compared to their one year PRWE scores. One year PRWE scores were found to be predictive (19.1%) of the variability in long term PRWE score (p=0.02). Age, gender, and mechanism of fall were not significant predictors of worsened outcome.

CONCLUSION

The majority of people that are experiencing no or low patient reported pain and disability one year following a DRF can expect to retain their positive outcome 10-20 years later. This study did not identify how to predict worsened outcome.

Patient-reported outcome measures in advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Advanced practice physiotherapists (APPs), also known as extended scope physiotherapists, provide a new model of service delivery for musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders. Research to date has largely focused on health service efficiencies, with less emphasis on patient outcomes. The present systematic review aimed to identify the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) being utilized by APPs.

METHOD

A wide search strategy was employed, including the PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL and PEDro databases, to identify studies relating to PROMs utilized by APPs in MSK healthcare settings. PROMs identified were classified into predetermined outcome domains, with additional contextual data extracted.

RESULTS

Of the initial 12,302 studies, 38 met the inclusion criteria. These involved APPs across different settings, utilizing 72 different PROMs and most commonly capturing: Patient Satisfaction, Quality of Life (QoL), Functional Status, and Pain; and, less frequently: Global Status (i.e. overall improvement), Psychological Well-Being, Work ability, and Healthcare Consumption and Costs. The quality of the PROMs varied greatly, with Satisfaction most commonly measured utilizing non-standardized locally-devised tools; the EuroQol five-dimensions questionnaire (EuroQoL-5D) and 36-Item Short-Form (SF-36) cited most frequently to capture QoL; and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to capture Pain. No key measure was identified to capture Functional Status, with 15 different tools utilized.

CONCLUSION

APPs utilized a multiplicity of PROMs across a range of MSK disorders. The present review will act as an important resource, informing the selection of outcomes for MSK disorders, with a view to greater standardization of outcome measurement in MSK clinical practice, service evaluation and research.

Responsiveness and minimal important change of the Norwegian version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH) in patients with subacromial pain syndrome

Background

The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH) is a valid and reliable patient-reported outcome measure (PROM). It was designed to measure physical disability and symptoms in patients with musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity, and is one of the most commonly used PROMs for patients with shoulder pain. The aim of this study was to examine responsiveness, the smallest detectable change (SDC) and the minimal important change (MIC) of the DASH, in line with international (COSMIN) recommendations.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 50 patients with subacromial pain syndrome, undergoing physical therapy for 3–4 months. Responsiveness to change was examined by calculating area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) and testing a priori-formulated hypothesis regarding correlations with changes in other instruments that measuring the same construct. The SDC was calculated using a test re-test protocol, and the MIC was calculated by the anchor-based MIC distribution. MIC values for patients with low and high baseline scores were also calculated.

Results

DASH appeared to be responsive, as it was able to distinguish patients who reported to be improved from those unchanged (AUC 0.77). All of the hypotheses were accepted. The SDC was 11.8, and the MIC was 4.4.

Conclusion

This study shows that the Norwegian version of the DASH has good responsiveness to change and may thus be recommended to measure outcome in patients with shoulder pain in Norway.

A short activity-related scale for measuring shoulder function in patients with subacromial pain: the DASH 7

Background

Subacromial pain is a common cause of shoulder dysfunction that negatively affects quality of life. Currently, most outcome measures for shoulder pain are applied to a heterogeneous group of patients. Of these measures, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) is the most widely recognized test with which to assess patients with subacromial pain. The primary aim of this study was to assess the content validity of DASH for patients with subacromial pain, with a secondary aim to test responsiveness to a modified set of DASH items tailored to these patients.

Methods

There were 129 patients who reported activities in the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS). To assess validity, 5 independent physiotherapists matched PSFS activities to the most appropriate DASH item. DASH items identified as being of greatest importance to patients were those corresponding to the highest number of PSFS-matched activities. Calculations were made for responsiveness and internal consistency.

Results

Physiotherapists matched DASH items to 271 PSFS activities, reaching agreement for almost 80%. Seven DASH items (DASH 7) were identified as being particularly important. Effect size data (Cohen's d) were 0.93 for DASH 7, 0.92 for DASH 30, and 0.85 for QuickDASH; the corresponding Cronbach's α values (for DASH 7, DASH 30, and QuickDASH) were 0.84, 0.94, and 0.86, respectively.

Conclusions

DASH 7 is a short, patient-centered, and activity-related scale that can measure shoulder function in patients with subacromial pain using a quarter of the original DASH items. DASH 7 demonstrated responsiveness, with a satisfactory level of internal consistency.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Spanish version of the Oxford Hip Score in patients with hip osteoarthritis

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip is a disease that entails a major burden for patients and the society as a whole. One way of measuring this burden for the patient is through impact on Health-related Quality of Life (HRQL). The Oxford Hip Score (OHS) is a well-known tool to measure HRQL in patients with OA of the hip. This study aims to assess the psychometric properties of the Spanish-adapted version of the OHS, including its reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change.

Methods

Prospective observational study that included 361 patients diagnosed with hip OA (according to the criterion of the American College of Rheumatology) from 3 different Spanish regions. Their HRQL was assessed using a generic questionnaire, the EQ-5D-5 L, and two specific ones (the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, WOMAC, and the OHS) adapted to Spanish. There was a follow-up period of 6 months, and the acceptability, psychometric properties, presence of ceiling and floor effects, validity, reliability, and sensitivity to changes of the OHS were measured.

Results

The OHS was fully answered in 99.4% of cases with no indication of ceiling or floor effects. Its factor structure can be explained in a single dimension. Its discriminative capacity was very good compared to the groups generated by the WOMAC and the EQ-5D-5 L. The correlation between the OHS and dimensions of the WOMAC or EQ-5D-5 L utilities was ≥0.7. Excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.992; CI95%: 0.994–0.998) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.928) were observed. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was 7.0 points, and the minimum detectable change (MDC) was 5.5 points. The effect size for moderate improvement in perceived HRQL was 0.73, similar to that of WOMAC dimensions and higher than the EQ-5D-5 L.

Conclusions

The Spanish-adapted version of the OHS is a useful, acceptable tool for the assessment of perceived HRQL in patients with hip OA, and has psychometric properties similar to those of the WOMAC that allow for discriminating both a patient’s condition at a given moment and changes that can occur over time.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12891-017-1568-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Responsiveness and Interpretability of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index

Study Design Clinical measurement study, prospective cohort design. Background Shoulder pain is a common disorder, and treatment is most often focused on a reduction of pain and functional disabilities. Several reviews have encouraged the use of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) to objectify functional disability. It is important to assess the responsiveness and interpretability of the SPADI in patients seeking physical therapy treatment for their shoulder pain in a primary care setting. Objective To assess the responsiveness and interpretability of the SPADI in patients with shoulder pain visiting a physical therapist in primary care. Methods The target population consisted of patients who consulted a physical therapist for their shoulder pain. The patients received physical therapy treatment and completed the Dutch-language version of the SPADI at baseline and at 26-week follow-up. The interpretability floor and ceiling effects and the minimal important change (MIC) were assessed using the receiver operating characteristic method, and a visual anchor-based MIC distribution method was used to assess several Global Perceived Effect scale (GPE)-based anchors. The measurement error was calculated using the smallest detectable change. For the responsiveness, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used, and correlations with the GPE and the change score of the Shoulder Disability Questionnaire (as this questionnaire measures the same construct) were assessed. Results A total of 356 patients participated at baseline and 237 (67%) returned the SPADI after 26 weeks. The mean score on the SPADI at baseline was 46.7 points (on a 0-100 scale). The SPADI showed no signs of floor and ceiling effects. The smallest detectable change was 19.7 points. The MIC was 20 (43% of baseline value), and therefore a change of 43% or more in an individual patient was considered to be clinically relevant. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.81, the Spearman correlation between the SPADI change score and the GPE was 0.53, and the Pearson correlation between the Shoulder Disability Questionnaire and the SPADI change score was 0.71. Conclusion The results of this study confirm the responsiveness of the SPADI, making it a useful instrument to assess functional disability in longitudinal studies; however, the measurement error should be taken into account when making decisions in individual patients. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2017;47(4):278-286. Epub 3 Feb 2017. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.7079.

Patient-reported questionnaires in MS rehabilitation: responsiveness and minimal important difference of the multiple sclerosis questionnaire for physiotherapists (MSQPT)

Background

The Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire for Physical Therapists (MSQPT) is a patient-rated outcome questionnaire for evaluating the rehabilitation of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Responsiveness was evaluated, and minimal important difference (MID) estimates were calculated to provide thresholds for clinical change for four items, three sections and the total score of the MSQPT.

Methods

This multicentre study used a combined distribution- and anchor-based approach with multiple anchors and multiple rating of change questions. Responsiveness was evaluated using effect size, standardized response mean (SRM), modified SRM and relative efficiency. For distribution-based MID estimates, 0.2 and 0.33 standard deviations (SD), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change were used_. Triangulation of anchor- and distribution-based MID estimates provided a range of MID values for each of the four items, the three sections and the total score of the MSQPT. The MID values were tested for their sensitivity and specificity for amelioration and deterioration for each of the four items, the three sections and the total score of the MSQPT. The MID values of each item and section and of the total score with the best sensitivity and specificity were selected as thresholds for clinical change.

The outcome measures were the MSQPT, Hamburg Quality of Life Questionnaire for Multiple Sclerosis (HAQUAMS), rating of change questionnaires, Expanded Disability Status Scale, 6-metre timed walking test, Berg Balance Scale and 6-minute walking test.

Results

The effect size ranged from 0.46 to 1.49. The SRM data showed comparable results. The modified SRM ranged from 0.00 to 0.60. Anchor-based MID estimates were very low and were comparable with SD- and SEM-based estimates. The MSQPT was more responsive than the HAQUAMS in detecting improvement but less responsive in finding deterioration. The best MID estimates of the items, sections and total score, expressed in percentage of their maximum score, were between 5.4% (activity) and 22% (item 10) change for improvement and between 5.7% (total score) and 22% (item 10) change for deterioration.

Conclusions

The MSQPT is a responsive questionnaire with an adequate MID that may be used as threshold for change during rehabilitation of MS patients.

Trial registration

This trial was retrospectively (01/24/2015) registered in ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT02346279.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12883-017-0834-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Reliability and validity of the Bowel Function Index for evaluating opioid-induced constipation: translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the Portuguese version (BFI-P)

OBJECTIVE

The Bowel Function Index (BFI) is a simple and sound bowel function and opioid-induced constipation (OIC) screening tool. We aimed to develop the translation and cultural adaptation of this measure (BFI-P) and to assess its reliability and validity for the Portuguese language and a chronic pain population.

METHODS

The BFI-P was created after a process including translation, back translation and cultural adaptation. Participants (n = 226) were recruited in a chronic pain clinic and were assessed at baseline and after one week. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, responsiveness, construct (convergent and known groups) and factorial validity were assessed.

RESULTS

Test-retest reliability had an intra-class correlation of 0.605 for BFI mean score. Internal consistency of BFI had Cronbach's alpha of 0.865. The construct validity of BFI-P was shown to be excellent and the exploratory factor analysis confirmed its unidimensional structure. The responsiveness of BFI-P was excellent, with a suggested 17-19 point and 8-12 point change in score constituting a clinically relevant change in constipation for patients with and without previous constipation, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study had some limitations, namely, the criterion validity of BFI-P was not directly assessed; and the absence of a direct criterion for OIC precluded the assessment of the criterion based responsiveness of BFI-P. Nevertheless, BFI may importantly contribute to better OIC screening and its Portuguese version (BFI-P) has been shown to have excellent reliability, internal consistency, validity and responsiveness. Further suggestions regarding statistically and clinically important change cut-offs for this instrument are presented.

Use of the Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARATkids) in children and adolescents: Validation in Dutch

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis and asthma are common and closely related diseases. Recently, a Portuguese questionnaire has been developed 'The Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test' (CARATkids) that measures disease control of both diseases in children. This study aims to validate the CARATkids in Dutch children and for the first time in adolescents and, in addition, to calculate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID).

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted in an outpatient clinic. After translation of the CARATkids from Portuguese to Dutch, patients (6-18 years) with asthma or asthma and allergic rhinitis completed the CARATkids, Asthma Control Test, and visual analog scale questionnaire three times. Baseline characteristics, mean scores, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, cross-sectional and longitudinal validity, discriminative properties, responsiveness, and MCID of the CARATkids were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 111 patients were included. In total, 86% and 79%, respectively, completed the questionnaires at the second and third visits. All children had asthma, and 85% had concomitant allergic rhinitis. The internal consistency was good with all expected a priori correlations met. CARATkids scores were higher in patients with uncontrolled asthma and patients with moderate-severe rhinitis compared to better controlled subjects. Patients with a variable asthma control had significantly higher scores during periods of uncontrolled asthma. Also the Guyatt's responsiveness index was good. The MCID was 2.8.

CONCLUSIONS

The CARATkids questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool to assess allergic rhinitis and asthma control among Dutch children. The tool can be used in adolescents.

The Effectiveness of Multimodal Care for the Management of Soft Tissue Injuries of the Shoulder: A Systematic Review by the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of multimodal care for the management of soft tissue injuries of the shoulder.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from 1990 to 2015. Two independent reviewers critically appraised studies using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria. We used best evidence synthesis to synthesize evidence from studies with low risk of bias.

RESULTS

We screened 5885 articles, and 19 were eligible for critical appraisal. Ten randomized controlled trials had low risk of bias. For persistent subacromial impingement syndrome, multimodal care leads to similar outcomes as sham therapy, radial extracorporeal shock-wave therapy, or surgery. For subacromial impingement syndrome, multimodal care may be associated with small and nonclinically important improvement in pain and function compared with corticosteroid injections. For rotator cuff tendinitis, dietary-based multimodal care may be more effective than conventional multimodal care (exercise, soft tissue and manual therapy, and placebo tablets). For nonspecific shoulder pain, multimodal care may be more effective than wait list or usual care by a general practitioner, but it leads to similar outcomes as exercise or corticosteroid injections.

CONCLUSIONS

The current evidence suggests that combining multiple interventions into 1 program of care does not lead to superior outcomes for patients with subacromial impingement syndrome or nonspecific shoulder pain. One randomized controlled trial suggested that dietary-based multimodal care (dietary advice, acupuncture, and enzyme tablets) may provide better outcomes over conventional multimodal care. However, these results need to be replicated.

The Greek version of Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI): translation, cultural adaptation, and validation in patients with rotator cuff tear

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt a Greek version of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) questionnaire and to validate its usage in Greek patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A forward and backward translation was performed, and the final version of the Greek questionnaire was administered to 134 outpatients (mean age 47.4 ± 14.5) with rotator cuff tear under conservative treatment. The questionnaire was re-administered 2-5 days later to assess test-retest reliability. Patients completed the Greek SPADI, the Greek version of the Quick DASH (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire) and the EuroQoL EQ-5D. 102 of the 134 questionnaires were considered valid.

RESULTS

The internal consistencies of the SPADI total and its subscales measured with Cronbach's alpha coefficient were high (0.932 for SPADI-Total, 0.899 for SPADI-Disability, 0.905 for SPADI-Pain). Intraclass correlation coefficients showed excellent test-retest reliability (0.899 for Disability, 0.902 for Pain, and 0.929 for total SPADI). A significantly high positive correlation was found between the SPADI total score and its subscales, and Quick DASH for Pain and Disability. Significant correlations were also found between SPADI scales and EQ-5D variables. There was a moderate positive correlation with the variables "self-reliance" (r = 0.66), "common activities" (r = 0.58), and "pain/discomfort" (r = 0.49), and a weaker correlation with the "mobility" variable (r = 0.20). Factor analysis (PAF method) revealed a bidimensional formation of the SPADI. Eight items (five pain/three disability) weighted the first factor by >0.5, and five disability items weighted the second factor.

CONCLUSIONS

The Greek SPADI represents a valid and reliable tool for measuring pain and disability in patients with painful shoulder disorders.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3.

Polydeoxyribonucleotide Injection in the Treatment of Chronic Supraspinatus Tendinopathy: A Case-Controlled, Retrospective, Comparative Study With 6-Month Follow-Up

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) injection for rotator cuff disease (RCD).

DESIGN

Case-controlled, retrospective, comparative study.

SETTING

Outpatient clinic at a university-affiliated tertiary care hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (N=106) with chronic nontraumatic refractory RCD who were unresponsive to at least 1 month of conservative treatment: 55 patients received PDRN injection (PDRN group) and 51 continued conservative treatment (control group).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, score on a visual analog scale of the average shoulder pain level, number of analgesic ingestions per day, isometric strength of shoulder abductor, active range of motion (flexion, abduction, internal rotation, external rotation), and maximal tear size of tendon on ultrasonography at pretreatment and 3 and 6 months postinjection.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of age, sex, shoulder affected, duration of symptoms, and ultrasonographic findings at pretreatment. Compared with the control group, the treatment group showed a significant improvement in Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, visual analog scale score, and number of analgesic ingestions per day. However, there was no difference in isometric strength, active range of motion, and maximal tear size of tendon. No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the efficacy of PDRN injection for patients with RCD. The PDRN injection group showed improvement in pain and subjective disability in patients with RCD and continued to show improvement for 3 months thereafter; the PDRN injection can be an optional treatment for patients with chronic RCD who show no response to other treatments.

Preferences for Shared Decision Making in Older Adult Patients With Orthopedic Hand Conditions

PURPOSE

The practice of medicine is shifting from a paternalistic doctor-patient relationship to a model in which the doctor and patient collaborate to decide optimal treatment. This study aims to determine whether the older orthopedic population desires a shared decision-making approach to care and to identify patient predictors for the preferred type of approach.

METHODS

This cross-sectional investigation enrolled 99 patients, minimum age 65 years, at a tertiary hand specialty practice between March and June 2015. All patients completed the Control Preferences Scale, a validated system that distinguishes among patient preferences for patient-directed, collaborative, or physician-directed decision making. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses assessed associations among demographic data; clinic encounter variables such as familiarity with provider, trauma, diagnosis, and treatment decision; and the primary outcome of Control Preferences Scale preferences.

RESULTS

A total of 81% of patients analyzed preferred a more patient-directed role in decision making; 46% of the total cohort cited a collaborative approach as their most preferred treatment approach. Sixty-seven percent cited the most physician-directed approach as their least preferred model of decision making. In addition, 49% reported that spending more time with their physician to address questions and explain the diagnosis would be most useful when making a health care decision and 73% preferred additional written informational material. Familiarity with the provider was associated with being more likely to prefer a collaborative approach.

CONCLUSIONS

Older adult patients with symptomatic upper-extremity conditions desire more patient-directed roles in treatment decision making. Given the limited amount of reliable information obtained independently outside the office visit, our data suggest that written decision aids offer an approach to shared decision making that is most consistent with the preferences of the older orthopedic patient.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study quantifies older adults' desire to participate in decision making when choosing among treatments for hand conditions.

Comparison of three types of exercise in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy/shoulder impingement syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy of three different exercise programmes in treating rotator cuff tendinopathy/shoulder impingement syndrome.

DESIGN

Parallel group randomised clinical trial.

SETTING

Two out-patient NHS physiotherapy departments in Manchester, United Kingdom.

PARTICIPANTS

120 patients with shoulder pain of at least three months duration. Pain was reproduced on stressing the rotator cuff and participants had full passive range of movement at the shoulder.

INTERVENTIONS

Three dynamic rotator cuff loading programmes; open chain resisted band exercises (OC) closed chain exercises (CC) and minimally loaded range of movement exercises (ROM).

MAIN OUTCOMES

Change in Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) score and the proportion of patients making a Minimally Clinically Important Change (MCIC) in symptoms 6 weeks after commencing treatment.

RESULTS

All three programmes resulted in significant decreases in SPADI score, however there were no significant differences between the groups. Participants making a MCIC in symptoms were similar across all groups, however more participants deteriorated in the ROM group. Dropout rate was higher in the CC group, but when only patients completing treatment were considered more patients in the CC group made a meaningful reduction in pain and disability.

CONCLUSIONS

Open chain, closed chain and range of movement exercises all seem to be effective in bringing about short term changes in pain and disability in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy. ISRCTN76701121.

Metallic hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of end-stage hallux rigidus

Aims

To examine the mid-term outcome and cost utility of the BioPro metallic hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of hallux rigidius.

Patients and Methods

We reviewed 97 consecutive BioPro metallic hemiarthroplasties performed in 80 patients for end-stage hallux rigidus, with a minimum follow-up of five years. There were 19 men and 61 women; their mean age was 55 years (22 to 74). No patient was lost to follow-up.

Results

A total of 12 patients (15 first metatarso-phalangeal joints (MTPJs)) required a revision; one for infection, two for osteolysis and 12 for pain. The all cause rate of survival at five years was 85.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 83.5 to 87.9). Younger age was a significant predictor of revision (odds ratio 1.09, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.17, p = 0.014) on excluding infection and adjusting for confounding variables (Cox regression). Significant improvements were demonstrated at five years in the Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire (13.9, 95% CI 10.5 to 17.2) and in the physical component of the Short Form-12 score (6.5, 95% CI 4.1 to 8.9). The overall rate of satisfaction was 75%. The cost per quality adjusted life year at five years, accounting for a 14% rate of revision was between £4431 and £6361 depending on the complexity and morbidity of the patient.

Conclusion

The BioPro hemiarthroplasty offers good short to mid-term functional outcome and is a cost effective intervention. The relatively high revision rate is associated with younger age and perhaps the use of this implant should be limited to older patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:945–51.

Cross-cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Patella Questionnaire for French-Speaking Patients With Patellar Tendinopathy

Study Design Clinical measurement study. Background The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Patella (VISA-P), originally developed in English, assesses the severity of patellar tendinopathy symptoms. To date, no French version of the questionnaire exists. Objectives The aim of our study was to translate the VISA-P into French and verify its psychometric properties. Methods The translation and cultural adaptation were performed according to international recommendations in 6 steps: initial translation, translation merging, back translation to the original language, use of an expert committee to reach a prefinal version, test of the prefinal version, and expert committee appraisal of a final version. Afterward, the psychometric properties of the final French version (VISA-PF) were assessed in 92 subjects, divided into 3 groups: pathological subjects (n = 28), asymptomatic subjects (n = 22), and sports-risk subjects (n = 42). Results All members of the expert committee agreed with the final version. On a scale ranging from 0 to 100, with 100 representing an asymptomatic subject, the average ± SD scores on the VISA-PF were 53 ± 17 for the pathological group, 99 ± 2 for the healthy group, and 86 ± 14 for the sports-risk group. The test-retest reliability of the VISA-PF was excellent, with good internal consistency. Correlations between the VISA-PF and divergent validity of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) were low, and the correlation coefficient values measured between the VISA-PF scores and converged items of the SF-36 were higher. Conclusion The VISA-PF is understandable, valid, and suitable for French-speaking patients with patellar tendinopathy. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(5):384-390. Epub 21 Mar 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.5937.

Comparative Effectiveness of Etanercept and Adalimumab in Patient Reported Outcomes and Injection-Related Tolerability

OBJECTIVE

To describe patient preferences in selecting specific biologics and compare clinical response using patient reported outcomes (PROs) among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) started on different anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapies.

METHODS

Participants were enrollees in Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Patients with RA who had at least two provider visits and started a new anti-TNF therapy from 10/2010-8/2011, were eligible for participation in this longitudinal study. Using a telephone survey, patient preferences in biologic selection and RAPID3, MDHAQ, and SF-12 scores were collected at baseline and at 6 months. Patient scores rating injection/infusion-site burning and stinging (ISBS) were collected at 6 months.

RESULTS

In all, 267 patients with RA responded to the baseline survey, of whom 57% preferred an injectable biologic, 22% preferred an infused biologic, and 21% had no preference. Motivation for injectable biologics was convenience (92%) and for infusion therapy was dislike or lack of self-efficacy for self-injection (16%). After 6 months of treatment with anti-TNF, 70% of the 177 patients who answered the ISBS question reported ISBS with the last dose; on a scale of 1 (none) to 10 (worst), 41% of these reported a score of 2-5; and 29% reported a score of 6-10. Adalimumab users experienced 3.2 times (95% confidence interval 1.2-8.6) the level of ISBS that etanercept users experienced. There were no significant differences in RAPID3, MDHAQ, or SF-12 scores between etanercept or adalimumab initiators.

CONCLUSION

Convenience and fear of self-injection were important considerations to patients selecting a biologic drug. Although more convenient, adalimumab associated with more ISBS than did etanercept, and this rate was higher than reported in clinical trials. At 6 months, PROs did not differ between etanercept and adalimumab users.

Comparison of Cervical Range-of-Motion Restriction and Craniofacial Tissue-Interface Pressure With 2 Adjustable and 2 Standard Cervical Collars

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to compare and contrast the restrictiveness and tissue-interface pressure (TIP) characteristics of 2 standard and 2 adjustable cervical collars.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

This study compared the restrictiveness and TIP of 4 commercially available cervical collars (2 standard and 2 adjustable). Adjustable collars offer potential advantages of individualized fit for patients and decreased inventory for institutions. The overall goal was to determine whether the adjustable collars provided the same benefits of cervical range-of-motion (CROM) restriction as the standard collars without increasing TIP and risk of pressure-related complications.

METHODS

A total of 48 adult volunteer subjects (24 men and 24 women) were fitted with 4 collars (Aspen, Aspen Vista, Miami J, and Miami J Advanced) in random order. Data collection included assessment of CROM restrictiveness and measurement of TIP on the mandible and occiput in upright and supine positions. The experimental, repeated measures design stratified the sample by body mass index (BMI) and sex.

RESULTS

All collars restricted CROM as compared with no collar (P ≤ 0.001 each). Aspen was more restrictive than Aspen Vista and Miami J in 4 movement planes (P ≤ 0.003 each), but not significantly different from Miami J Advanced. The Miami J standard collar was associated with significantly lower peak TIPs on all sites and in all positions compared with Aspen (P ≤ 0.001), Miami J Advanced (P < 0.001), and Aspen Vista (P = 0.01 for mandible site and upright position, P < 0.001 for remaining sites and positions). Increased peak TIP correlated with high BMI across all collar types, but was significantly lower for the Miami J collar than the Aspen collar.

CONCLUSION

All collars, compared with no collar, significantly restricted CROM. Although the collar-to-collar comparisons were statistically significant, the differences may have little clinical significance in the acutely injured trauma patient. The Miami J standard collar had the lowest overall TIP in both sites and positions. Ongoing effort should be devoted to staff education in proper sizing and fit, particularly for patients with high BMI.

Psychometric Properties of the Hindi Version of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand: A Pilot Study

Objectives. To culturally adapt and translate the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire into Hindi (DASH-H) and assess its reliability, validity, and responsiveness in adult patients with shoulder tendonitis. Study Design. Descriptive methodological research, using longitudinal design. Setting. Outpatient clinic. Participants. 30 adult patients aged 53.3 ± 6.9 y with shoulder tendonitis. Data Analyses. DASH-H, visual analogue scales for pain (VAS-P) and disability (VAS-D), and shoulder active range of motion (AROM) were assessed at baseline, 2-3 days later, and 4-5 weeks after baseline. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) assessed test-retest reliability of these scales and responsiveness was examined by calculating effect sizes (ES) and standardized response means (SRM). Cronbach's alpha (CA) was used to examine internal consistency of DASH-H. Convergent construct validity of DASH-H with VAS scales and shoulder AROM was determined using Pearson's Correlation Coefficients (r). Results. DASH-H demonstrated good test-retest reliability and internal consistency (ICC and CA both > 0.75) and excellent responsiveness (ES = 2.2, SRM = 6.1). DASH-H showed high concordance (r = −0.71, p < 0.01) with AROM-flexion and moderate concordance (r > −0.4, p < 0.05) with VAS scales and AROM-external rotation. Conclusion. Analyses indicate that DASH-H demonstrates good test-retest reliability, validity, and responsiveness in patients with shoulder tendonitis.

Addressing neurodynamic irritability in a patient with adhesive capsulitis: a case report

BACKGROUND

Patients with adhesive capsulitis are commonly seen by physical therapists. Pain and limited shoulder motion from adhesive capsulitis have at times been linked to neural irritation. The purpose of this case is to describe the examination and intervention of a patient with adhesive capsulitis who appeared to have a coexisting, underlying neural irritation. This paper emphasizes how the neurological component must initially be identified and addressed for a successful outcome.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 47-year-old female presented with reduced shoulder motion and function, upper extremity neural irritation, diffuse weakness, altered sensation in the involved extremity, and symptoms reproduced with upper limb neurodynamic testing. Her reduced shoulder range of motion was accompanied by limited glenohumeral glides and a report of local neck stiffness. Symptoms began several months earlier after an apparent electrical shock injury to the arm that caused symptoms and guarding of the shoulder. Intervention initially addressed the underlying neural component with spinal mobilizations while avoiding further irritation. Interventions were progressed to include mobilization and exercise to address shoulder mobility.

OUTCOMES

The patient's neurodynamic irritability, distal symptoms, and neck stiffness were normalized within the first weeks of care. Subsequently, interventions were directed at the shoulder. Outcomes over an 12-week time frame included reduced pain from 10/10 to 2/10. Passive range of motion increases included flexion from 121 to 160°, abduction from 71 to 121°, and external rotation from 18 to 60°. Disability scores on Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) dropped from initially 68·3 to 18·3% at discharge. She ultimately regained full upper extremity function.

DISCUSSION

Therapists should be cognizant of possible neural irritation in shoulder disorders, which may contribute to conditions such as adhesive capsulitis. Identifying neural irritation is critical when determining which interventions will achieve optimal outcomes without aggravating the condition.

Brazilian version of the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE-BR): Cross-cultural adaptation, internal consistency, test-retest reliability and construct validity

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical measurements.

PURPOSE

Perform the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) into a Brazilian version (PRWE-BR), and assess its internal consistency, test-retest reliability and construct validity.

METHODS

PRWE-BR was developed using standardized guidelines. Sixty-one patients with different wrist injuries were recruited. They were submitted to two assessments, 2-7 days apart. Reliability was measured by internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient). Construct validity was determined via hypothesis testing (Spearman's correlation) of correlations with subscales of SF-36 and DASH.

RESULTS

PRWE-BR and its subscales achieved high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha ≥ 0.85) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC ≥ 0.90). Construct validity was established by confirmation of 85.7% of our previously formulated hypotheses.

CONCLUSIONS

PRWE-BR is a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of pain and dysfunction in Brazilian patients with injuries involving the wrist joint.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N/A.

Functional outcome and quality of life after traumatic total brachial plexus injury treated by nerve transfer or single/double free muscle transfers

Aims

Between 2002 and 2011, 81 patients with a traumatic total brachial plexus injury underwent reconstruction by double free muscle transfer (DFMT, 47 cases), single muscle transfer (SMT, 16 cases) or nerve transfers (NT, 18 cases).

Methods

They were evaluated for functional outcome and quality of life (QoL) using the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, both pre- and post-operatively. The three groups were compared and followed-up for at least 24 months.

Results

The mean shoulder abduction and flexion were comparable in all groups, but external rotation was significantly better in the DFMT group as were range and quantitative power of elbow flexion. Patients who had undergone DFMT had reasonable total active finger movement and hook grip strength. All groups showed improvement in function at a level greater than a minimum clinically important difference. The DFMT group showed the greatest improvement.

Discussion

Patients in the DFMT group had a better functional outcome and QoL recovery than those in the NT and SMT groups. Take home message: Double free muscle transfer procedure is capable of restoring maximum function in patients of total brachial plexus palsy. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;97-B:209–17.

Psychometric evaluation of self-report outcome measures for prosthetic applications

Documentation of clinical outcomes is increasingly expected in delivery of prosthetic services and devices. However, many outcome measures suitable for use in clinical care and research have not been psychometrically tested with prosthesis users. The aim of this study was to determine test-retest reliability, mode-of-administration (MoA) equivalence, standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC) of standardized, self-report instruments that assess constructs of importance to people with lower limb loss. Prosthesis users (n = 201) were randomly assigned to groups based on MoA (i.e., paper, electronic, or mixed-mode). Participants completed two surveys 2 to 3 d apart. Instruments included the Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility, Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire-Mobility Subscale, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, Quality of Life in Neurological Conditions-Applied Cognition/General Concerns, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Profile, and Socket Comfort Score. Intraclass correlation coefficients indicated all instruments are appropriate for group-level comparisons and select instruments are suitable for individual-level applications. Several instruments showed evidence of possible floor and ceiling effects. All were equivalent across MoAs. SEM and MDC were quantified to facilitate interpretation of outcomes and change scores. These results can enhance clinicians' and researchers' ability to select, apply, and interpret scores from instruments administered to prosthesis users.

Radiographic Stage Does Not Correlate With Symptom Severity in Thumb Basilar Joint Osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

We hypothesize that thumb basilar joint osteoarthritis (TBJA) radiographic stage does not correlate with patient-reported measures of symptom severity.

METHODS

Patients with unilateral TBJA who completed the 11-item QuickDASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand), Short-Form 12 Health Survey (SF-12) Mental Component and SF-12 Physical Component surveys were prospectively enrolled in the study. The Eaton-Littler radiographic stage was assigned for each patient. The correlation between the radiographic score and disease stage was calculated.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients (15 men, 47 women; average age, 62.3 years) formed the basis of this study. The average QuickDASH score (and standard deviation) for patients with stage 1 TBJA was 31.5 (11.4); for those with stage 2, it was 37.9 (17.4); with stage 3, it was 30.1 (13.0), and with stage 4, it was 39.4 (12.5). Eaton-Littler stage did not correlate significantly with QuickDASH scores (rho = -0.014, P = 0.91). Neither SF-12 Mental Component scores (MCS-12: rho = 0.019, P = 0.89) nor the SF-12 Physical Component scores (PCS-12: rho = 0.145, P = 0.26) correlated with TBJA stage.

CONCLUSION

Radiographic severity in TBJA does not correlate with validated patient-reported symptom scores. Metrics that link radiographic and subjective components of TBJA may improve surgical decision making and monitoring of treatment response.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic, level II.

Interventions for treating proximal humeral fractures in adults

BACKGROUND

Fracture of the proximal humerus, often termed shoulder fracture, is a common injury in older people. The management of these fractures varies widely. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2001 and last updated in 2012.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects (benefits and harms) of treatment and rehabilitation interventions for proximal humeral fractures in adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and other databases, conference proceedings and bibliographies of trial reports. The full search ended in November 2014.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We considered all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomised controlled trials pertinent to the management of proximal humeral fractures in adults.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Both review authors performed independent study selection, risk of bias assessment and data extraction. Only limited meta-analysis was performed.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 31 heterogeneous RCTs (1941 participants). Most of the 18 separate treatment comparisons were tested by small single-centre trials. The main exception was the surgical versus non-surgical treatment comparison tested by eight trials. Except for a large multicentre trial, bias in these trials could not be ruled out. The quality of the evidence was either low or very low for all comparisons except the largest comparison.Nine trials evaluated non-surgical treatment in mainly minimally displaced fractures. Four trials compared early (usually one week) versus delayed (three or four weeks) mobilisation after fracture but only limited pooling was possible and most of the data were from one trial (86 participants). This found some evidence that early mobilisation resulted in better recovery and less pain in people with mainly minimally displaced fractures. There was evidence of little difference between the two groups in shoulder complications (2/127 early mobilisation versus 3/132 delayed mobilisation; 4 trials) and fracture displacement and non-union (2/52 versus 1/54; 2 trials).One quasi-randomised trial (28 participants) found the Gilchrist-type sling was generally more comfortable than the Desault-type sling (body bandage). One trial (48 participants) testing pulsed electromagnetic high-frequency energy provided no evidence. Two trials (62 participants) provided evidence indicating little difference in outcome between instruction for home exercises versus supervised physiotherapy. One trial (48 participants) reported, without presentable data, that home exercise alone gave better early and comparable long-term results than supervised exercise in a swimming pool plus home exercise.Eight trials, involving 567 older participants, evaluated surgical intervention for displaced fractures. There was high quality evidence of no clinically important difference in patient-reported shoulder and upper-limb function at one- or two-year follow-up between surgical (primarily locking plate fixation or hemiarthroplasty) and non-surgical treatment (sling immobilisation) for the majority of displaced proximal humeral fractures; and moderate quality evidence of no clinically important difference between the two groups in quality of life at two years (and at interim follow-ups at six and 12 months). There was moderate quality evidence of little difference between groups in mortality in the surgery group (17/248 versus 12/248; risk ratio (RR) 1.40 favouring non-surgical treatment, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69 to 2.83; P = 0.35; 6 trials); only one death was explicitly linked with the treatment. There was moderate quality evidence of a higher risk of additional surgery in the surgery group (34/262 versus 16/261; RR 2.06, 95% CI 1.18 to 3.60; P = 0.01; 7 trials). Although there was moderate evidence of a higher risk of adverse events after surgery, the 95% confidence intervals for adverse events also included the potential for a greater risk of adverse events after non-surgical treatment.Different methods of surgical management were tested in 12 trials. One trial (57 participants) comparing two types of locking plate versus a locking nail for treating two-part surgical neck fractures found some evidence of slightly better function after plate fixation but also of a higher rate of surgically-related complications. One trial (61 participants) comparing a locking plate versus minimally invasive fixation with distally inserted intramedullary K-wires found little difference between the two implants at two years. Compared with hemiarthroplasty, one trial (32 participants) found similar results with locking plate fixation in function and re-operation rates, whereas another trial (30 participants) reported all five re-operations occurred in the tension-band fixation group. One trial (62 participants) found better patient-rated (Quick DASH) and composite shoulder function scores at a minimum of two years follow-up and a lower incidence of re-operation and complications after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) compared with hemiarthroplasty.No important between-group differences were found in one trial (120 participants) comparing the deltoid-split approach versus deltopectoral approach for non-contact bridging plate fixation, and two trials (180 participants) comparing 'polyaxial' and 'monaxial' screws in locking plate fixation. One trial (68 participants) produced some preliminary evidence that tended to support the use of medial support locking screws in locking plate fixation. One trial (54 participants) found fewer adverse events, including re-operations, for the newer of two types of intramedullary nail. One trial (35 participants) found better functional results for one of two types of hemiarthroplasty. One trial (45 participants) found no important effects of tenodesis of the long head of the biceps for people undergoing hemiarthroplasty.Very limited evidence suggested similar outcomes from early versus later mobilisation after either surgical fixation (one trial: 64 participants) or hemiarthroplasty (one trial: 49 participants).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is high or moderate quality evidence that, compared with non-surgical treatment, surgery does not result in a better outcome at one and two years after injury for people with displaced proximal humeral fractures involving the humeral neck and is likely to result in a greater need for subsequent surgery. The evidence does not cover the treatment of two-part tuberosity fractures, fractures in young people, high energy trauma, nor the less common fractures such as fracture dislocations and head splitting fractures.There is insufficient evidence from RCTs to inform the choices between different non-surgical, surgical, or rehabilitation interventions for these fractures.

Minimal important changes and differences in elective hand surgery

Minimal important changes and differences describe the smallest changes and differences between individuals that are relevant to patients following treatment. Minimal important differences may vary between conditions, treatments and lengths of follow-up, and can be calculated in different ways. Minimal important differences for elective hand surgery were reviewed. A total of 99 minimal important differences were identified in 29 articles. The conditions, treatments, outcome measures used and follow-up periods are discussed. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand had the most estimates of minimal important differences, but these varied. The methods used in the included studies were reviewed and appraised. Most minimal important differences were calculated using retrospective anchors. Future research directions in this area are suggested.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

High volume image guided injections and structured rehabilitation in shoulder impingement syndrome: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

the aim was to establish the effect of a high volume-image guided injection and structured rehabilitation (HVIGI&SR) on both pain and function in shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS).

METHODS

44 participants treated between January 2008 and January 2012 with a >3 month history of recalcitrant ultrasound-confirmed SIS were sent a retrospective questionnaire. All participants had received a HVIGI under ultrasound-guidance consisting of 20 mls of Marcaine with 50 mg of hydrocortisone, followed by a period of physiotherapist-led rehabilitation. The validated Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) score was used to establish the change in the score between 1 week pre-injection and 3 weeks post-injection, along with an 11-point pain scale.

RESULTS

59% of participants responded. There was a clinically and statistically significant decrease in the SPADI score of 58.7 ± 29.9 (p<0.01). 76% of participants had an improvement in their score of over 50% from their initial score. There was a clinically and statistically significant improvement in pain of 5.19 ± 2.62 (p<0.01) on the numerical rating scale of pain.

CONCLUSION

HVIGI&SR should be considered for short-term treatment of SIS as it showed a significant improvement in both pain and function. A prolonged period of physiotherapist-led rehabilitation can then be undertaken for long term benefits.

Operative versus nonoperative interventions for common fractures of the clavicle: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The popularity of surgery for acute displaced midshaft clavicle fractures has been fuelled by early randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showing improved rates of radiographic union and perceived functional benefits compared with nonoperative approaches. We performed a meta-analysis to determine the effect of operative and nonoperative interventions on the risk of secondary operation and complications and on long-term function.

METHODS

We search MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for reports of relevant RCTs published to Mar. 7, 2014. Two reviewers assessed eligibility of potential reports and the risk of bias of included trials. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to summarize the quality of evidence for all outcomes.

RESULTS

We included 15 RCTs (9 trials comparing operative and nonoperative interventions, 5 comparing implants for operative treatment, and 1 comparing nonoperative treatments). Nonoperative treatments did not differ from operative treatments in the risk of secondary operation (risk ratio [RR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58 to 2.35) or all complications (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.50). One in 4 patients had a complication regardless of the treatment approach. Differences in functional outcomes, although smaller than the threshold for minimal important differences at 1 year, favoured operative interventions (standardized mean difference 0.38, 95% CI 0 to 0.75). Evidence for the type of implant or approach to nonoperative treatment remained inconclusive.

INTERPRETATION

Current evidence does not support the routine use of internal fixation for the treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Complication rates were high regardless of the treatment approach.

The Minimum Clinically Important Difference of the Patient-rated Wrist Evaluation Score for Patients With Distal Radius Fractures

BACKGROUND

The Patient-rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) is a commonly used instrument in upper extremity surgery and in research. However, to recognize a treatment effect expressed as a change in PRWE, it is important to be aware of the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) and the minimum detectable change (MDC). The MCID of an outcome tool like the PRWE is defined as the smallest change in a score that is likely to be appreciated by a patient as an important change, while the MDC is defined as the smallest amount of change that can be detected by an outcome measure. A numerical change in score that is less than the MCID, even when statistically significant, does not represent a true clinically relevant change. To our knowledge, the MCID and MDC of the PRWE have not been determined in patients with distal radius fractures.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We asked: (1) What is the MCID of the PRWE score for patients with distal radius fractures? (2) What is the MDC of the PRWE?

METHODS

Our prospective cohort study included 102 patients with a distal radius fracture and a median age of 59 years (interquartile range [IQR], 48-66 years). All patients completed the PRWE questionnaire during each of two separate visits. At the second visit, patients were asked to indicate the degree of clinical change they appreciated since the previous visit. Accordingly, patients were categorized in two groups: (1) minimally improved or (2) no change. The groups were used to anchor the changes observed in the PRWE score to patients' perspectives of what was clinically important. We determined the MCID using an anchor-based receiver operator characteristic method. In this context, the change in the PRWE score was considered a diagnostic test, and the anchor (minimally improved or no change as noted by the patients from visit to visit) was the gold standard. The optimal receiver operator characteristic cutoff point calculated with the Youden index reflected the value of the MCID.

RESULTS

In our study, the MCID of the PRWE was 11.5 points. The area under the curve was 0.54 (95% CI, 0.37-0.70) for the pain subscale and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.57-0.85) for the function subscale. We determined the MDC to be 11.0 points.

CONCLUSIONS

We determined the MCID of the PRWE score for patients with distal radius fractures using the anchor-based approach and verified that the MDC of the PRWE was sufficiently small to detect our MCID.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

We recommend using an improvement on the PRWE of more than 11.5 points as the smallest clinically relevant difference when evaluating the effects of treatments and when performing sample-size calculations on studies of distal radius fractures.

A Systematic Review of the Psychometric Properties of Patient-Reported Outcome Instruments for Use in Patients With Rotator Cuff Disease

BACKGROUND

Many patient-reported outcome instruments (or questionnaires) have been developed for use in patients with rotator cuff disease. Before an instrument is implemented, its psychometric properties should be carefully assessed, and the methodological quality of papers that investigate a psychometric component of an instrument must be carefully evaluated. Together, the psychometric evidence and the methodological quality can then be used to arrive at an estimate of an instrument's quality.

PURPOSE

To identify patient-reported outcome instruments used in patients with rotator cuff disease and to critically appraise and summarize their psychometric properties to guide researchers and clinicians in using high-quality patient-reported outcome instruments in this population.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

Systematic literature searches were performed to find English-language articles concerning the development or evaluation of a psychometric property of a patient-reported outcome instrument for use in patients with rotator cuff disease. Methodological quality and psychometric evidence were critically appraised and summarized through 2 standardized sets of criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 1881 articles evaluating 39 instruments were found per the search strategy, of which 73 articles evaluating 16 instruments were included in this study. The Constant-Murley score, the DASH (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand), and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index were the 3 most frequently evaluated instruments. In contrast, the psychometric properties of the Korean Shoulder Scoring System, Shoulder Activity Level, Subjective Shoulder Value, and Western Ontario Osteoarthritis Shoulder index were evaluated by only 1 study each. The Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index was found to have the best overall quality of psychometric properties per the established criteria, with positive evidence found in internal consistency, reliability, content validity, hypothesis testing, and responsiveness. The DASH, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, and Simple Shoulder Test had good evidence in support of internal consistency, reliability, structural validity, hypothesis testing, and responsiveness. Inadequate methodological quality was found across many studies, particularly in internal consistency, reliability, measurement error, hypothesis testing, and responsiveness.

CONCLUSION

More high-quality methodological studies should be performed to assess the properties in all identified instruments.

Rehabilitation for distal radial fractures in adults

BACKGROUND

Fracture of the distal radius is a common clinical problem, particularly in older people with osteoporosis. There is considerable variation in the management, including rehabilitation, of these fractures. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2002 and last updated in 2006.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effects of rehabilitation interventions in adults with conservatively or surgically treated distal radial fractures.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2014; Issue 12), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PEDro, OTseeker and other databases, trial registers, conference proceedings and reference lists of articles. We did not apply any language restrictions. The date of the last search was 12 January 2015.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs evaluating rehabilitation as part of the management of fractures of the distal radius sustained by adults. Rehabilitation interventions such as active and passive mobilisation exercises, and training for activities of daily living, could be used on their own or in combination, and be applied in various ways by various clinicians.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The review authors independently screened and selected trials, and reviewed eligible trials. We contacted study authors for additional information. We did not pool data.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 26 trials, involving 1269 mainly female and older patients. With few exceptions, these studies did not include people with serious fracture or treatment-related complications, or older people with comorbidities and poor overall function that would have precluded trial participation or required more intensive treatment. Only four of the 23 comparisons covered by these 26 trials were evaluated by more than one trial. Participants of 15 trials were initially treated conservatively, involving plaster cast immobilisation. Initial treatment was surgery (external fixation or internal fixation) for all participants in five trials. Initial treatment was either surgery or plaster cast alone in six trials. Rehabilitation started during immobilisation in seven trials and after post-immobilisation in the other 19 trials. As well as being small, the majority of the included trials had methodological shortcomings and were at high risk of bias, usually related to lack of blinding, that could affect the validity of their findings. Based on GRADE criteria for assessment quality, we rated the evidence for each of the 23 comparisons as either low or very low quality; both ratings indicate considerable uncertainty in the findings.For interventions started during immobilisation, there was very low quality evidence of improved hand function for hand therapy compared with instructions only at four days after plaster cast removal, with some beneficial effects continuing one month later (one trial, 17 participants). There was very low quality evidence of improved hand function in the short-term, but not in the longer-term (three months), for early occupational therapy (one trial, 40 participants), and of a lack of differences in outcome between supervised and unsupervised exercises (one trial, 96 participants).Four trials separately provided very low quality evidence of clinically marginal benefits of specific interventions applied in addition to standard care (therapist-applied programme of digit mobilisation during external fixation (22 participants); pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) during cast immobilisation (60 participants); cyclic pneumatic soft tissue compression using an inflatable cuff placed under the plaster cast (19 participants); and cross-education involving strength training of the non-fractured hand during cast immobilisation with or without surgical repair (39 participants)).For interventions started post-immobilisation, there was very low quality evidence from one study (47 participants) of improved function for a single session of physiotherapy, primarily advice and instructions for a home exercise programme, compared with 'no intervention' after cast removal. There was low quality evidence from four heterogeneous trials (30, 33, 66 and 75 participants) of a lack of clinically important differences in outcome in patients receiving routine physiotherapy or occupational therapy in addition to instructions for home exercises versus instructions for home exercises from a therapist. There was very low quality evidence of better short-term hand function in participants given physiotherapy than in those given either instructions for home exercises by a surgeon (16 participants, one trial) or a progressive home exercise programme (20 participants, one trial). Both trials (46 and 76 participants) comparing physiotherapy or occupational therapy versus a progressive home exercise programme after volar plate fixation provided low quality evidence in favour of a structured programme of home exercises preceded by instructions or coaching. One trial (63 participants) provided very low quality evidence of a short-term, but not persisting, benefit of accelerated compared with usual rehabilitation after volar plate fixation.For trials testing single interventions applied post-immobilisation, there was very low quality evidence of no clinically significant differences in outcome in patients receiving passive mobilisation (69 participants, two trials), ice (83 participants, one trial), PEMF (83 participants, one trial), PEMF plus ice (39 participants, one trial), whirlpool immersion (24 participants, one trial), and dynamic extension splint for patients with wrist contracture (40 participants, one trial), compared with no intervention. This finding applied also to the trial (44 participants) comparing PEMF versus ice, and the trial (29 participants) comparing manual oedema mobilisation versus traditional oedema treatment. There was very low quality evidence from single trials of a short-term benefit of continuous passive motion post-external fixation (seven participants), intermittent pneumatic compression (31 participants) and ultrasound (38 participants).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The available evidence from RCTs is insufficient to establish the relative effectiveness of the various interventions used in the rehabilitation of adults with fractures of the distal radius. Further randomised trials are warranted. However, in order to optimise research effort and engender the large multicentre randomised trials that are required to inform practice, these should be preceded by research that aims to identify priority questions.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review

CONTEXT

A comprehensive systematic literature review of the health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) differences among individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI), ankle-sprain copers, and healthy control participants has not been conducted. It could provide a better indication of the self-reported deficits that may be present in individuals with CAI.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically summarize the extent to which HRQOL deficits are present in individuals with CAI.

DATA SOURCES

We searched for articles in the electronic databases of EBSCO Host and PubMed Central using key words chronic, functional, mechanical, coper, instability, sprains, and patient-assessed. We also performed a hand search of reference lists, authors, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of the articles screened for inclusion.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies were included if they (1) incorporated a PRO as a participant descriptor or as a study outcome to compare adults with CAI to ankle-sprain copers or healthy controls, (2) were written in English, and (3) were published in peer-reviewed journals.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two authors independently assessed methodologic quality using the modified Downs and Black Index. Articles were filtered into 3 categories based on between-groups comparisons: CAI and copers, CAI and healthy control participants, copers and healthy participants. We calculated Hedges g effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals to examine PRO group differences.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Of the 124 studies assessed for eligibility, 27 were included. A total of 24 articles compared PROs in individuals with CAI and healthy controls, 7 compared individuals with CAI and copers, and 4 compared copers and healthy controls. Quality scores on the modified Downs and Black Index ranged from 52.9% to 88.2%, with 8 high-, 16 moderate-, and 3 low-quality studies. Overall, we observed moderate to strong evidence that individuals with CAI displayed deficits on generic and region-specific PROs compared with copers and healthy controls. However, evidence that differences exist between copers and healthy controls was conflicting. In addition, for dimension-specific outcomes, evidence to suggest that fear of reinjury is heightened in individuals with CAI was limited.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence suggested that CAI is associated with functional and HRQOL deficits, particularly when examined with region-specific PROs. However, PROs do not appear to differ between copers and healthy controls.

Ulnar Head Replacement: 21 Cases; Mean Follow-Up, 7.5 Years

PURPOSE

To report clinical and radiographic outcomes for the Herbert ulnar head prosthesis after a mean of 7.5 years (range, 2.0-12.5 years).

METHODS

We performed 22 Herbert ulnar head prosthesis arthroplasties between 2000 and 2011. Five were primary procedures, and the remaining 17 were done after an average of 2 (range, 1-5) previous operations. The mean age at surgery was 55 years (range, 31-74 years). Follow-up including clinical examination, standardized questionnaires, and radiographic examination was done after mean 7.5 years (range, 2.0-12.5 years) in 21 cases. We used the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation questionnaire, and the Mayo wrist score questionnaire. Pain and satisfaction were evaluated with a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS). Measurements of range of motion and strength for grip were recorded.

RESULTS

Wrist range of motion was not affected by the arthroplasty except for supination, which significantly improved from 55° to 70°. At follow-up, grip strength averaged 25 kg (range, 10-48 kg) in the operated wrists and 31 kg (range, 8-74 kg) on the contralateral side. Visual analog scale-pain averaged 2.9 (range, 0-8.7) during activity and 1.7 (range, 0-7) at rest. Satisfaction VAS was 8.9 (range, 4.3-10). Five patients had VAS-pain above 5 during activity, and 1 patient was dissatisfied and regretted having undergone arthroplasty. Mean outcomes were 27 (range, 5-50) for Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand measure, 31 (range, 0-90) for the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score, and 71 (range, 30-90) for the Mayo wrist score. One patient was reoperated with capsuloplasty 9 months after the arthroplasty owing to recurrence of painful instability. Full stability was not achieved but the pain resolved. None of the implants showed any radiographic signs of loosening.

CONCLUSIONS

The Herbert ulnar head prosthesis was a safe method of treatment and provided satisfactory midterm results for selected cases of distal radioulnar joint disorders.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Increased knowledge of performance for ulnar head implant arthroplasty may aid surgical decision making for distal radioulnar joint disorders.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Are Volar Locking Plates Superior to Percutaneous K-wires for Distal Radius Fractures? A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Distal radius fractures are common, costly, and increasing in incidence. Percutaneous K-wire fixation and volar locking plates are two of the most commonly used surgical treatments for unstable dorsally displaced distal radius fractures. However, there is uncertainty regarding which of these treatments is superior.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to determine whether patients treated with volar locking plates (1) achieved better function (2) attained better wrist motion, (3) had better radiographic outcomes, and (4) had fewer complications develop than did patients treated with K-wires for dorsally displaced distal radius fractures.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive search of MEDLINE (inception to 2014, October Week 2), EMBASE (inception to 2014, Week 42), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify relevant randomized controlled trials; we supplemented these searches with manual searches. We included studies of extraarticular and intraarticular distal radius fractures. Adjunctive external fixation was acceptable as long as the intent was to use only K-wires where possible and external fixation was used in less than 25% of the procedures. We considered a difference in the DASH scores of 10 as the minimal clinically important difference. We performed quality assessment with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and evaluated the strength of recommendations using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Seven randomized trials with a total of 875 participants were included in the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Patients treated with volar locking plates had slightly better function than did patients treated with K-wires as measured by their DASH scores at 3 months (mean difference [MD], 7.5; 95% CI, 4.4-10.6; p < 0.001) and 12 months (MD, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.2-6.3; p = 0.004). Neither of these differences exceeded the a priori-determined threshold for clinical importance (10 points). There was a small early advantage in flexion and supination in the volar locking plate group (3.7° [95% CI, 0.3°-7.1°; p = 0.04] and 4.1° [95% CI, 0.6°-7.6°; p = 0.02] greater, respectively) at 3 months, but not at later followups (6 or 12 months). There were no differences in radiographic outcomes (volar tilt, radial inclination, and radial height) between the two interventions. Superficial wound infection was more common in patients treated with K-wires (8.2% versus 3.2%; RR = 2.6; p = 0.001), but otherwise no difference in complication rates was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the small number of studies and the limitations inherent in a meta-analysis, we found that volar locking plates show better DASH scores at 3- and 12-month followups compared with K-wires for displaced distal radius fractures in adults; however, these differences were small and unlikely to be clinically important. Further research is required to better delineate if there are specific radiographic, injury, or patient characteristics that may benefit from volar locking plates in the short term and whether there are any differences in long-term outcomes and complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, therapeutic study.

Hand therapist use of patient report outcome (PRO) in practice: a survey study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this survey was to gain greater insight into hand therapists' use of Patient Report Outcome (PRO) measures.

METHODS

An 11-question survey that evaluated therapists' perceptions, preferences, and patterns of use of patient report outcome measures was sent to members of ASHT.

RESULTS

A total of 633 ASHT members participated in the survey study. A large majority of participants (92%) responded affirmatively to using a PRO measure in practice. The DASH was reported as the most frequently used measure (90%). The majority of therapists (84%) discuss the results of the outcome measurement score with their patients. Of the participants who use more than one outcome measure, 44% report that this allows them to better establish their patient's functional and physical limitations.

CONCLUSION

The findings in this study suggest that a large percentage of hand therapists are currently including a PRO measure in their hand therapy practice.

Vitamin C to Prevent Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Patients With Distal Radius Fractures: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether vitamin C is effective in preventing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in patients with distal radius fractures.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE (1946 to present), EMBASE (1974 to present), and The Cochrane Library (no date limit) were systematically searched up to September 6, 2014, using MeSH and EMTREE headings with free text combinations.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized trials comparing vitamin C against placebo were included. No exclusions were made during the selection of eligible trials on the basis of patient age, sex, fracture severity, or fracture treatment.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers independently screened articles, extracted data, and applied the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Evidence was graded using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Heterogeneity was quantified using the χ test and the I statistic. Outcome data were combined with a random effects model.

RESULTS

Across 3 trials (n = 890) of patients with distal radius fractures, vitamin C did not reduce the risk for CRPS (risk ratio = 0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-1.13; I = 70%). This result was confirmed in sensitivity analyses to test the importance of missing data because of losses to follow-up under varying assumptions. Heterogeneity was explained by diagnostic criteria, but not regimen of vitamin C or fracture treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence for vitamin C to prevent CRPS in patients with distal radius fractures fails to demonstrate a significant benefit. The overall quality of the evidence is low, and these results should be interpreted in the context of clinical expertise and patient preferences.