Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) for the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) in Severe Lower Extremity Trauma: Pooled Data from 7 Multicenter, Prospective Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND

The Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) is a well validated, widely used patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure for orthopaedic patients. Despite its widespread use and acceptance, this measure does not have an agreed upon minimal clinically important difference (MCID). The purpose of the present study was to create distributional MCIDs with use of a large cohort of research participants with severe lower extremity fractures.

METHODS

Three distributional approaches were used to calculate MCIDs for the Dysfunction and Bother Indices of the SMFA as well as all its domains: (1) half of the standard deviation (one-half SD), (2) twice the standard error of measurement (2SEM), and (3) minimal detectable change (MDC). In addition to evaluating by patient characteristics and the timing of assessment, we reviewed these calculations across several injury groups likely to affect functional outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 4,298 SMFA assessments were collected from 3,185 patients who had undergone surgical treatment of traumatic injuries of the lower extremity at 60 Level-I trauma centers across 7 multicenter, prospective clinical studies. Depending on the statistical approach used, the MCID associated with the overall sample ranged from 7.7 to 10.7 for the SMFA Dysfunction Index and from 11.0 to 16.8 for the SMFA Bother Index. For the Dysfunction Index, the variability across the scores was small (<5%) within the sex and age subgroups but was modest (12% to 18%) across subgroups related to assessment timing.

CONCLUSIONS

A defensible MCID can be found between 7 and 11 points for the Dysfunction Index and between 11 and 17 points for the Bother Index. The precise choice of MCID may depend on the preferred statistical approach and the population under study. While differences exist between MCID values based on the calculation method, values were consistent across the categories of the various subgroups presented.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) into Spanish (Chile)

The purpose of this protocol was to adapt and validate the English version of the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) into Chilean Spanish according to the World Health Organisation guidelines. This is a cross-sectional study of 897 surveys of patients with non-traumatic surgical orthopaedic pathologies. We analysed internal consistency, validity, and acceptability, including correlation with the short form 36 (SF-36) medical score. The validation included 900 participants with a response rate of 99,66%, with excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.962). The Dysfunction and Bother Index items showed a value of 0.952 and 0.884 respectively, eliminating one item in the Dysfunction sub-scale. The principal component analysis was forced to four factors explaining 55.5% of the variance. SMFA-CL sub-scales are significantly correlated with SF-36 components and subcomponents. The first version of the SMFA-CL version (Spanish-Chilean) scale is reported. This culturally adapted score demonstrated a high rate of reliability, validity, and ability to objectively evaluate foot and ankle pathologies.

Patients with more complex ankle fractures are associated with poorer patient-reported outcome: an observational study of 11,733 patients from the Swedish Fracture Register

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following ankle fractures, including all fracture types, have not been reported. It is therefore unclear whether fracture morphology correlates with outcome. We aimed to analyze PROMs in patients with an ankle fracture in relation to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) fracture classification using population-based register data from the Swedish Fracture Register (SFR).

METHODS

All patients aged ≥ 18 years with an ankle fracture (AO/OTA 44A1-C3) registered in the SFR between 2012 and 2019 were retrieved from the register. Patients with completed PROM questionnaires (Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment and EuroQol-Visual Analogue Scale) on both day 0 (pre-trauma) and 1-year post-trauma were included. The difference in PROMs between day 0 and 1 year was calculated for each patient (delta value) and mean delta values were calculated at group level, based on the AO/OTA fracture classification.

RESULTS

11,733 patients with 11,751 fractures with complete PROMs were included. According to the AO/OTA classification, 21% were A fractures, 67% were B fractures and 12% were C fractures. All groups of patients, regardless of fracture class (A1-C3), displayed an impairment in PROMs after 1 year compared with day 0. Type C fractures displayed a larger impairment in PROMs at group level than type B, which in turn had a greater impairment than type A. The same pattern was seen in groups 3, 2, and 1 for A and B fractures.

CONCLUSION

We found that the AO/OTA classification is prognostic, where more complex fractures were associated with poorer PROMs.

Psychometric Properties of Patient-reported Outcome Measures to Assess Resilience in Individuals with Musculoskeletal Pain or Rheumatic Conditions: A COSMIN-based Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this systematic review was to provide a comprehensive overview of the measurement properties of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used to assess resilience in individuals with musculoskeletal and rheumatic conditions.

METHODS

Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) were searched. Studies assessing any measurement property in the target populations were included. Two reviewers independently screened all studies and assessed the risk of bias using the COSMIN checklist. Thereafter, each measurement property of each PROM was classified as sufficient, insufficient, or inconsistent based on the COSMIN criteria for good measurement properties.

RESULTS

Four families of PROMs [Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS); Resilience Scale (RS-18); Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10 and CD-RISC-2); and Pain Resilience Scale (PRS-14 and PRS-12)] were identified from the 9 included studies. Even if no PROM showed sufficient evidence for all measurement properties, the PRS and CD-RISC had the most properties evaluated and showed the best measurement properties, although responsiveness still needs to be assessed for both PROMs. Both PROMs showed good levels of reliability (intraclass coefficient correlation 0.61 to 0.8) and good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha ≥0.70). Minimal detectable change values were 24.5% for PRS and between 4.7% and 29.8% for CD-RISC.

DISCUSSION

Although BRCS, RS-18, CD-RISC, and PRS have been used to evaluate resilience in individuals with musculoskeletal and rheumatic conditions, the current evidence only supports the use of PRS and CD-RISC in this population. Further methodological studies are therefore needed and should prioritize the assessment of reliability and responsiveness.

Functional Outcomes After High-Energy Lisfranc Injuries

BACKGROUND

Midfoot fractures and dislocations are infrequent and functional outcomes following Lisfranc injuries have not been well described. The purpose of this project was to explore functional outcomes following operative treatment of high-energy Lisfranc injury.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of 46 adults with tarsometatarsal fractures and dislocations treated at a single Level 1 trauma center were reviewed. Demographic, medical, social, and injury features of these patients and their injuries were recorded. Foot Function Index (FFI) and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) surveys were collected after mean 8.7 years' follow-up. Multiple linear regression was performed to identify independent predictors of outcome.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients with mean age 39.7 years completed functional outcome surveys. Mean SMFA scores were 29.3 (dysfunction) and 32.6 (bothersome). Mean FFI scores were 43.1 (pain), 43.0 (disability), and 21.7 (activity), with a mean total score of 35.9. FFI pain scores were worse than published values for fractures of the plafond (33, P = .04), distal tibia (33, P = .04), and talus (25.3, P = .001). Lisfranc injury patients reported worse disability (43.0 vs 29, P = .008) and total FFI scores (35.9 vs 26, P = .02) compared with distal tibia fractures. Tobacco smoking was an independent predictor of worse FFI (P < .05) and SMFA emotion and bothersome scores (P < .04). Chronic renal disease was a predictor of worse FFI disability (P = .04) and SMFA subcategory scores (P < .04). Male sex was associated with better scores in all SMFA categories (P < .04). Age, obesity, or open injury did not affect functional outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Patients reported worse pain by FFI after Lisfranc injury compared to other injuries about the foot and ankle. Tobacco smoking, female sex, and preexisting chronic renal disease are predictive of worse functional outcome scores, warranting further study in a larger sample, as well as counseling of long-term consequences of this injury.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective, prognostic.

Tobacco smoking is associated with more pain and worse functional outcomes after torsional ankle fracture

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of current and remote tobacco smoking on clinical and functional outcomes after torsional ankle fracture.

METHODS

Nine hundred thirty-five patients treated surgically for torsional ankle fracture over 9 years were reviewed. Tobacco smoking status at the time of injury was defined as current (48.3%), former (11.7%), and nonsmoker (40.0%). Complications, unplanned secondary procedures, pain medication use, and functional outcome scores, as measured by Foot Function Index and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) surveys.

RESULTS

Mean age was 44.8 years, with 50.3% male. More than 6 months following injury current smokers were more likely than former smokers and nonsmokers to report ankle pain (67.8% vs 45.8% vs 47.5%) and to use prescription pain medicines (23.0% vs 10.4% vs 6.3%), all P < .05. Multiple logistic regression found current tobacco use to be an independent predictor for prescription pain medication use, and worse scores for the Foot Function Index, SMFA Dysfunction, and SMFA Bothersome scores, all P < .05. Complications occurred in 15.5% of all patients, and 10.7% underwent unplanned secondary operations. Tobacco smoking was not associated with more complications or secondary procedures.

CONCLUSION

Current smokers are more likely to use prescription pain medications several months after injury and have worse patient-reported functional outcome scores after surgical treatment of torsional ankle fractures than former smokers and nonsmokers.

Immediate Full Weight-Bearing Versus Partial Weight-Bearing After Plate Fixation of Distal Femur Fractures in Elderly Patients. A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction

After surgery for distal femur fractures in elderly patients, weight-bearing is commonly restricted. Immediate non-restrictive weight-bearing might have beneficial effects. There are no randomized studies on the topic. The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcome between immediate full weight-bearing (FWB) as tolerated and partial weight-bearing (PWB) during the first 8 weeks following plate fixation of distal femur fractures in elderly patients.

Methods

Patients aged 65 years or older with distal femur fractures of AO/OTA types 33 A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, and C2 were included. Exclusion criteria were impaired cognitive function, concomitant injuries, or inability to follow the postoperative regimen. Internal fixation was achieved with an anatomical lateral distal femur plate applied as a strictly bridge-plating construct. The primary outcome measure was the function index of the short musculoskeletal functional assessment (SMFA) after 52 weeks from injury.

Results

Thirty-two patients were randomized to FWB (n = 11) or PWB (n = 21). After 16 and 52 weeks, there were no differences in the mean SMFA function index between FWB and PWB (36 vs 43, P = .42 and 52 vs 40, P = .18, respectively) nor in the mean EuroQol 5-dimension index or range of motion (ROM). Overall, the SMFA function index was higher at 52 weeks compared with before injury (44 vs 30, P = .001) as was the mean bothersome index (37 vs 21, P = .011). There was no clear difference in the occurrence of adverse events between the treatment groups.

Conclusions

There were no differences in functional outcome, adverse events, or ROM between immediate FWB and PWB following plate fixation for a distal femur fracture in elderly patients. A distal femur fracture has a negative effect on the functional status of elderly patients that persists at least up to 1 year following injury.

Determinants of functional outcome following ankle fracture

Objectives:

To assess the patient and injury characteristics that impact functional outcomes after ankle fracture.

Design:

Retrospective study.

Setting:

Urban level I trauma center.

Patients/Participants:

One thousand patients underwent fixation of ankle fracture (AO/OTA 44) between 2006 and 2015. Four hundred sixteen completed functional outcome surveys by telephone or mail at a mean of 5.9 years after injury.

Intervention:

Open reduction internal fixation.

Main outcome measure:

Foot Function Index (FFI) and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA).

Results:

Mean age was 46.7 years, with 46.2% male. Higher (worse) FFI scores were seen in tobacco users (38.9 vs 30.1), recreational drug users (45.9 vs 32.7), and the morbidly obese (52.0 vs 30.6), all P < .005. Higher (worse) SMFA dysfunction and bothersome scores were also seen in these groups, and in females and alcohol users. Multiple regression analysis identified female gender, obesity, tobacco and alcohol use, complications, secondary procedures, and multiple additional injuries as independent predictors of higher scores (all P < .04). Fracture patterns, open fracture, and development of arthritis had no impact on FFI or SMFA scores.

Conclusion:

Patient characteristics, not under surgeon-control, such as female sex, obesity, and substance use, appear to contribute to patient-reported functional outcome scores more than injury characteristics.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3, prognostic

Measurement properties of the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire in populations with musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review

A higher level of pain self-efficacy has been suggested as a predictor of a better outcome in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. The Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ) is one of the most frequently used patient-reported outcome measures for pain self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review that would identify, appraise, and synthetize the psychometric properties of the PSEQ. Embase, MEDLINE, and CINAHL databases were searched for publications reporting on psychometric properties of the PSEQ in populations with musculoskeletal disorders. After applying selection criteria on identified citations, 28 studies (9853 participants) were included. The methodological quality as measured with the COSMIN risk of bias tool varied from adequate to very good for most measurement properties. The results showed a weighted mean intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.86 (range: 0.75-0.93) for test-retest reliability for the original 10-item PSEQ and the minimal detectable change at 95% confidence interval was 11.52 out of 60 points. Effect size and standardized response mean values were 0.53 and 0.63, respectively, whereas the minimal clinically important difference ranged from 5.5 to 8.5 in patients with chronic low back pain. Internal consistency (Cronbach alpha) ranged from 0.79 to 0.95. The results also showed that the PSEQ has low to moderate correlations with measures of quality of life, disability, pain, pain interference, anxiety, depression, and catastrophizing. Finally, the PSEQ has been adapted and validated in 14 languages. Overall, the results demonstrate that the PSEQ has excellent validity, reliability, and responsiveness. Further high-quality studies are needed to determine responsiveness in populations other than chronic low back pain.

Measurement Properties of the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF) and Revised Short McGill Pain Questionnaire Version-2 (SF-MPQ-2) in Pain-related Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to systematically locate, critically appraise, and summarize clinical measurement research addressing the use of Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF) and Revised Short McGill Pain Questionnaire Version-2 (SF-MPQ-2) in pain-related musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We systematically searched 4 databases (Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, and SCOPUS) and screened articles to identify those reporting the psychometric properties (eg, validity, reliability) and interpretability (eg, minimal clinically important difference) of BPI-SF and SF-MPQ-2 as evaluated in pain-related MSK conditions. Independently, 2 reviewers extracted data and assessed the quality of evidence with a structured quality appraisal tool and the updated COSMIN guidelines.

RESULTS

In all, 26 articles were included (BPI-SF, n=17; SF-MPQ-2, n=9). Both tools lack reporting on their cross-cultural validities and measurement error indices (eg, standard error of measurement). High-quality studies suggest the tools are internally consistent (α=0.83 to 0.96), and they associate modestly with similar outcomes (r=0.3 to 0.69). Strong evidence suggests the BPI-SF conforms to its 2-dimensional structure in MSK studies; the SF-MPQ-2 4-factor structure was not clearly established. Seven reports of high-to-moderate quality evidence were supportive of the BPI-SF known-group validity (n=2) and responsiveness (n=5). One report of high quality established the SF-MPQ-2 responsiveness.

DISCUSSION

Evidence of high-to-moderate quality supports the internal consistency, criterion-convergent validity, structural validity, and responsiveness of the BPI-SF and SF-MPQ-2 and establishes their use as generic multidimensional pain outcomes in MSK populations. However, more studies of high quality are still needed on their retest reliability, known-group validity, cross-cultural validity, interpretability properties, and measurement error indices in different MSK populations.

Measurement properties of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in patients with a tibial shaft fracture; validation study alongside the multicenter TRAVEL study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the measurement properties of the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) in patients who sustained a tibial shaft fracture, by comparing them with the scores of a general health-related quality of life instrument scale (i.e., EuroQoL-5D). Data of 136 patients participating in a multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing incisions for intramedullary nail entry in adults with a tibial shaft fracture were used. Patients completed the SMFA, LEFS, EQ-5D and an anchor question at 2 and 6 weeks, and at 3, 6 and 12 months. Reliability (internal consistency), construct validity, responsiveness (longitudinal validity), floor and ceiling effects, minimal important change (MIC), and smallest detectable change (SDC) were determined. The SMFA and LEFS (sub)scales showed adequate internal consistency (0.84<α<0.94). Construct and longitudinal validity were also adequate (correctly predicted hypotheses between 83%-100%). Floor effects were not present. Ceiling effects were present at 12 months for the SMFA lower extremity dysfunction and bother subscales (22% and 19%, respectively) and the LEFS (19%). MICs could not be determined with the available data. The SDC was 13.84 points for the SMFA and 38.74 points for the LEFS. This study confirms that the SMFA and LEFS are reliable, valid, and responsive instruments for monitoring functional limitation in patients after sustaining a tibia shaft fracture during at least the first six months post-injury. An anchor-based MIC for the SMFA remains to be determined.

German translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

The Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ) was developed to measure the health status of patients with various musculoskeletal conditions across multiple settings including rehabilitation.

AIM

Formal translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the MSK-HQ into German (MSK-HQ<inf>G</inf>), to determine test-retest-reliability, standard error of measurement (SEM), smallest detectable change (SDC), construct validity, responsiveness, minimal important change (MIC), and to test for floor or ceiling effects.

DESIGN

Cohort study with six weeks follow-up.

SETTING

Seven physiotherapy clinics/rehabilitation centres.

POPULATION

Patients with a referral for physiotherapy indicating musculoskeletal complaints of the spine or extremities.

METHODS

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation were carried out in accordance with guidelines provided by the developers. As reference standards we used pain intensity (0-10 numeric rating scale), quality of life (EQ5D-5L) and disability measures (RMDQ, NDI, WOMAC and SPADI) that were combined using z-scores.

RESULTS

On 100 patients (age 44.8±13.4 years, 66% female) the test-retest-reliability intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.87 (95% CI 0.72; 0.93) and for construct validity correlation with the combined disability measure was r<inf>s</inf>=-0.81 (95% CI -0.88, -0.72), the SEM was 3.4, the SDC (individual) 9.4, and the MIC 8.5.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the study provides evidence for good reliability and validity for the MSK-HQ<inf>G</inf>. Further studies in different settings and diagnostic subgroups should follow to better understand the psychometric properties of this measure in primary care, rehabilitation and specialist care settings.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

The results demonstrate that the MSK-HQ<inf>G</inf> has sufficient psychometric properties for use in musculoskeletal research and practice. However, the SDC should be kept in mind when using the tool for individual patients. The MSK-HQ<inf>G</inf> has the advantage of being a single instrument that can measure musculoskeletal health status across different pain sites, reducing the burden from the use of multiple tools.

Improvement in Functional Outcomes After Elective Symptomatic Orthopaedic Implant Removal

INTRODUCTION

The relative indications for removing symptomatic implants after osseous healing are not fully agreed on. The purpose of this study was to (1) determine whether patients showed improvement in functional outcomes after the removal of symptomatic orthopaedic implants, (2) compare the outcomes between upper and lower extremity implant removal, and (3) determine the rate of implant removal complications.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted between 2013 and 2016. Patients completed a Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment outcome questionnaire before implant removal and at the 6-month follow-up. Demographic data were stratified and compared between upper and lower extremity groups and between preimplant removal and 6-month postremoval.

RESULTS

Of the 119 patients included in the study, 85 (71.4%) were lower extremity and 34 (28.6%) were upper extremity. Significant improvement after implant removal was seen in the dysfunction index (P ≤ 0.001), bother index (P ≤ 0.001), and daily activities domain (P ≤ 0.001). Depression or anxiety (P = 0.016) were statistically significant predictors for an improved Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment dysfunction index score at 6 months. The complication rate was 10.1% (n=12) for the cohort.

DISCUSSION

Implant removal in both the upper and lower extremity presented notable improvement in dysfunction. Complications that require surgical intervention are extremely rare.

Measurement properties of the musculoskeletal health questionnaire (MSK-HQ): a between country comparison

BACKGROUND

The Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ) has been developed to measure musculoskeletal health status across musculoskeletal conditions and settings. However, the MSK-HQ needs to be further evaluated across settings and different languages.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare measurement properties of the MSK-HQ across Danish (DK) and English (UK) cohorts of patients from primary care physiotherapy services with musculoskeletal pain.

METHODS

MSK-HQ was translated into Danish according to international guidelines. Measurement invariance was assessed by differential item functioning (DIF) analyses. Test-retest reliability, measurement error, responsiveness and minimal clinically important change (MCIC) were evaluated and compared between DK (n = 153) and UK (n = 166) cohorts.

RESULTS

The Danish version demonstrated acceptable face and construct validity. Out of the 14 MSK-HQ items, three items showed DIF for language (pain/stiffness at night, understanding condition and confidence in managing symptoms) and three items showed DIF for pain location (walking, washing/dressing and physical activity levels). Intraclass Correlation Coefficients for test-retest were 0.86 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.91) for DK cohort and 0.77 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.90) for the UK cohort. The systematic measurement error was 1.6 and 3.9 points for the DK and UK cohorts respectively, with random measurement error being 8.6 and 9.9 points. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of the change scores against patients' own judgment at 12 weeks exceeded 0.70 in both cohorts. Absolute and relative MCIC estimates were 8-10 points and 26% for the DK cohort and 6-8 points and 29% for the UK cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

The measurement properties of MSK-HQ were acceptable across countries, but seem more suited for group than individual level evaluation. Researchers and clinicians should be aware that some discrepancy exits and should take the observed measurement error into account when evaluating change in scores over time.

Minimal important change in physical function in trauma patients: a study using the short musculoskeletal function assessment

Purpose

The Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire can be used to evaluate physical functioning in patients with traumatic injuries. It is not known what change in score reflects a meaningful change to patients. The aim was to determine minimal important change (MIC) values of the subscales (0–100) of the Dutch SMFA-NL in a sample of patients with a broad range of injuries.

Methods

Patients between 18 and 65 years of age completed the SMFA-NL and the Global Rating of Effect (GRE) questions at 6-week and 12-month post-injury. Anchor-based MIC values were calculated using univariable logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of 225 patients were included (response rate 67%). The MIC value of the Upper Extremity Dysfunction (UED) subscale was 8 points, with a misclassification rate of 43%. The Lower Extremity Dysfunction subscale MIC value was 14 points, with a misclassification rate of 29%. The MIC value of the Problems with Daily Activities subscale was 25 points, with a misclassification rate of 33%. The MIC value of the Mental and Emotional Problems (MEP) subscale was 7 points, with a misclassification rate 37%.

Conclusion

MIC values of the SMFA-NL were determined. The MIC values aid interpreting whether a change in physical functioning can be considered clinically important. Due to the considerable rates of misclassification, the MIC values of the UED and MEP subscales should be used with caution.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Sports Medicine: A Concise Resource for Clinicians and Researchers

BACKGROUND

Despite the importance of assessing patient outcomes during patient care, current evidence suggests relatively limited use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) by athletic trainers (ATs). Major barriers to PROM use include lack of knowledge, navigating the intricate process of assessing a wide variety of PROMs, and selecting the most appropriate PROM to use for care. A concise resource for ATs to consult when selecting and implementing PROMs may help facilitate the use of PROMs in athletic health care.

OBJECTIVE

To review the instrument essentials and clinical utility of PROMs used by ATs.

METHODS

We studied 11 lower extremity region-specific, 10 upper extremity region-specific, 6 generic, and 3 single-item PROMs based on the endorsement of at least 10% of ATs who use PROMs, as reported in a recent investigation of PROM use in athletic training. A literature search was conducted for each included PROM that focused on identifying and extracting components of the instrument essentials (ie, instrument development, reliability, validity, responsiveness and interpretability, and precision) and clinical utility (ie, acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness). Through independent review and group consensus, we also classified each PROM question by International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domain and health-related quality-of-life dimensions.

KEY FINDINGS

The PROMs contained in this report generally possessed appropriate instrument essentials and clinical utility. Moreover, the PROMs generally emphasized body structure and function as well as the physical functioning of the patient. Athletic trainers aiming to assess patients via a whole-person approach may benefit from combining different PROMs for use in patient care to ensure broader attention to disablement health domains and health-related quality-of-life dimensions.

Patient-Reported Outcomes in Foot and Ankle Orthopedics

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are a measure of health care quality that reflect the patient's perceptions of their own health status. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in implementation of PROs into everyday clinical practice. There are many dozens of PROs available to foot and ankle surgeons with little consensus on which measures are most appropriate for a given condition. These measures vary widely in length, validity, and content. When integrating PROs into clinical practice, we recommend that clinicians should collect, at a minimum, validated PRO scores that assess pain, function, and general health. Furthermore, concise instruments should be used wherever possible to minimize patient burden, maximize patient engagement, and ensure meaningful data are collected. In the near future, outcomes registries employing computer adaptive testing will facilitate the routine collection of PRO data from all patients.

Level of Evidence

Level V, expert opinion.

The Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment: a study of the reliability, construct validity and responsiveness in patients sustaining trauma

OBJECTIVE

To assess test-retest reliability, construct validity and responsiveness of the Dutch Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA-NL) in patients who sustained acute physical trauma.

DESIGN

A longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING

A level 1 trauma center in The Netherlands.

SUBJECTS

Patients who required hospital admission after sustaining an acute physical trauma.

INTERVENTION

Patients completed the SMFA-NL at six weeks, eight weeks and six months post-injury.

MAIN MEASURE

The measures used were The Dutch Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment. Test-retest reliability (between six and eight weeks post-injury) using intraclass correlation coefficients, the smallest detectable change and Bland and Altman plots. Construct validity (six weeks post-injury) and responsiveness (between six weeks and six months post-injury) were evaluated using the hypothesis testing method.

RESULTS

A total of 248 patients (mean age: 46.5, SD: 13.4) participated, 145 patients completed the retest questionnaires (eight weeks) and 160 patients completed the responsiveness questionnaires (six months). The intraclass correlation coefficients indicated good to excellent reliability on all subscales (0.80 to 0.98). The smallest detectable change was 17.4 for the Upper Extremity Dysfunction subscale, 11.0 for the Lower Extremity Dysfunction subscales, 13.9 for the Problems with Daily Activities subscale and 16.5 for the Mental and Emotional Problems subscale. At group level, the smallest detectable change ranged from 1.48 to 1.96. A total of 86% of the construct validity hypotheses and 79% of the responsiveness hypotheses were confirmed.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the SMFA-NL has good to excellent reliability, sufficient construct validity and is able to detect change in physical function over time.

Overview of reviews of standardised occupation-based instruments for use in occupational therapy practice

INTRODUCTION

Using standardised instruments is one approach to support evidence-based practice. Referring to systematic reviews is an option to identify suitable instruments. However, with an abundance of systematic reviews available, therapists are challenged to identify an appropriate instrument to use. Therefore, this overview of reviews aimed to summarise relevant systematic review findings about standardised occupation-based instruments relevant for occupational therapy practice.

METHODS

An overview of reviews was conducted. A systematic search was performed on four databases up to March 2018. Included systematic reviews were analysed for quality using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR).

RESULTS

A total of 2187 articles were identified after removing duplicates. Ultimately, 58 systematic reviews were identified that yielded 641 instruments. From those, 45 instruments were selected for appraisal as they met the inclusion criteria of being developed mainly by occupational therapists and were recommended in the summarised findings from the systematic reviews. The instruments were classified according to the following occupation domains: (i) multidimensional, (ii) activities of daily living, (iii) productivity, (iv) social, (v) sleep/rest, (vi) sexuality and (vii) spirituality. No systematic review was identified that specifically focussed on occupations related to school/education, leisure and play.

DISCUSSION

Certain occupation domains such as activities of daily living, social and sleep/rest received high attention amongst researchers. There is a need for systematic reviews of instruments to measure education/school, play and leisure. Limited numbers of instruments were developed by occupational therapists outside the occupation domain of activities of daily living, and in areas of practice other than children and older people. Nevertheless, this overview can give some guidance for occupational therapists in selecting a suitable occupational therapy instrument for practice.

Structural Validity of the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment in Patients With Injuries

BACKGROUND

The Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) is a widely used patient-reported outcome measure, originally having 2 elements of outcome: the function index and the bother index. In multiple studies, it has been argued that the SMFA should be scored using 3, 4, or 6 subscales instead. Therefore, there is inconsistency with the number of underlying dimensions of the SMFA.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the structural validity of the various proposed subscale configurations of the SMFA in a broad range of Dutch patients with injuries.

DESIGN

This study used a prospective cohort design.

METHODS

Participants with injuries were asked to complete the Dutch SMFA (SMFA-NL) at 5 to 8 weeks postinjury. The structural validity of the 6 different factor structures that have been proposed in other studies was evaluated using confirmatory factor analyses. Internal consistency was analyzed using Cronbach alpha.

RESULTS

A total of 491 patients participated (response rate = 74%). A 4-factor structure showed an acceptable fit (root-mean-square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.070, comparative fit index = 0.973, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.971). Other models, including the original 2-index structure, showed insufficient structural validity in Dutch patients with injuries. The 4-factor structure showed sufficient discriminant validity and good internal consistency (Cronbach alpha ≥ 0.83).

LIMITATIONS

It is unclear whether conclusions are generalizable across different countries, people who are elderly, and people without injuries.

CONCLUSION

In a broad range of patients with injuries, the SMFA-NL may be best scored and interpreted using a 4-factor structure. Other factor structures showed insufficient structural validity.

Pre-injury health status of injured patients: a prospective comparison with the Dutch population

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess whether injured patients have a different pre-injury health status compared to the Dutch population.

Methods

A broad range of injured patients (age ≥ 18 and ≤ 75 years) completed the condition-specific Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA-NL) and generic health-related quality of life questionnaire EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), within 2 weeks after patients sustained an injury. Patients reported their health status of the week before their injury. Scores were compared to the Dutch normative data of the questionnaires. Gender, age, educational level, relationship status, and comorbidity adjusted differences were calculated for the SMFA-NL.

Results

A total of 596 injured patients completed the questionnaires (response rate: 43%). Unadjusted pre-injury SMFA-NL scores of injured patients were significantly better compared to the Dutch normative data (ranging from + 2.4 to + 8.6 points, p < 0.001 for all subscales and indices). The unadjusted EQ-5D difference score was 0.05 points (p < 0.001) higher in the group of injured patients. Adjusted pre-injury scores were higher than the SMFA-NL normative data. Function index: + 3.6, p < 0.001, bother index: + 3.0, p < 0.001 upper extremity dysfunction: + 0.8, p = 0.2, lower extremity dysfunction: + 3.7, p < 0.001. Problems with daily activities: + 2.8, p = 0.001. Mental and emotional problems: + 6.8, p < 0.001.

Conclusions

Injured patients reported a better pre-injury health status compared to the Dutch population. Patient characteristics explained an important part of the difference in health status between injured patients and the Dutch population.

Examination of Early Functional Recovery After ACL Reconstruction: Functional Milestone Achievement and Self-Reported Function

Background:

Few studies have documented early functional recovery after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Purpose:

To quantify the time to early functional milestone achievement and change in function over 12 weeks after ACL reconstruction and to identify demographic characteristic predictors of the outcomes.

Study Design:

Prospective, longitudinal, observational study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Methods:

A total of 182 patients (95 females, 87 males; mean ± SD age, 28 ± 12 years; mean ± SD body mass index [BMI], 25 ± 4 kg/m²) who received primary, unilateral, ACL reconstruction were included. Testing occurred before surgery as well as 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks postsurgery. Outcomes included demographic characteristics, self-reported functional milestone achievements and responses on the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire. Time to functional milestone achievement was calculated, and patients were categorized into “faster” or “prolonged” recovery groups based on the median value. Longitudinal change in SMFA subscale scores (daily activities and mobility) as well as demographic predictors of functional recovery group assignment and postsurgical change in SMFA subscale scores were examined.

Results:

Median time for discontinuing narcotic pain medication was 9 days, while that for discontinuing crutches was 15 days. Time to return to work occurred at a median of 11 days, return to school at 7 days, and return to driving at 11 days. Both SMFA subscale scores significantly decreased (improved) over time, with the greatest change occurring between 1 and 4 weeks postsurgery. The demographic predictor of faster functional recovery for discontinuation of narcotic pain medication was surgery with allograft; those for return to work were higher age, male sex, decreasing BMI, and sedentary/light occupational demand; and those for return to driving were higher age, male sex, and surgery on the left side of the body.

Conclusion:

Functional recovery occurs rapidly over the first month after ACL reconstruction for most patients. Nonmodifiable demographic characteristics may influence recovery time for specific functional milestones.

Clinical Relevance:

Results can be used to counsel patients on early functional recovery after ACL reconstruction.

Patient-Reported Outcomes in Foot and Ankle Surgery

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are a measure of health care quality that empower patients to share their health care perceptions with their providers. In orthopedic foot and ankle surgery, these measures can range from global assessments of pain or satisfaction to complex questionnaires designed to assess the function of specific anatomic regions or the recovery from specific procedures. This article seeks to characterize the use of PROs in foot and ankle surgery, describe some of the most commonly used measures, discuss implementation in everyday clinical practice, and explore the future of PROs in foot and ankle orthopedics.