Anterior shoulder instability arthroscopic treatment outcomes measures: The WOSI correlates with the Walch-Duplay score

Abstract

New techniques and instrumentation for arthroscopic management of shoulder instability require accurate measurement tools to investigate possible clinical improvements. The aim of the study was to assess the self-administrated Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), which is a subjective quality of life measurement tool specific to shoulder instability, and also to validate this score by comparison with the Walch-Duplay score, which is the gold standard score used in Europe. These two scores had never been compared. Forty-eight patients, who underwent arthroscopic surgery for anterior shoulder instability, were evaluated using the WOSI and the Walch-Duplay score at 42.7 months' follow-up. The correlation between these two scores was investigated. The WOSI significantly correlated with the Walch-Duplay score (global score, and specific items of pain, stability, return to activity). The standard correlation coefficient was 0.8 and the Lin correlation coefficient was 0.65. The WOSI did not correlate with the mobility item of the Walch-Duplay score. The WOSI was found to correlate with the Walch-Duplay score. However, the WOSI was more sensitive than the Walch-Duplay score for the assessment of patient satisfaction. It is likely that both self-administrated questionnaires and physical examinations are complementary for an accurate investigation of the functional objective and subjective outcome after shoulder stabilization surgery. Retrospective. Level IV.