Comparion of 6 functional tests for postoperative elbow function evaluation

Abstract

Objective Several elbow function scores are used in research, but there is no universally adopted standard. In this study 6 elbow out,me scales were compared to provide basis for selection of postoperative elbow functional evaluation criteria. Methods Thirty-one patients who underwent elbow surgery for humeral condyle fractures or supracondyle fractures from January 2004 to August 2006 were involved in the study. Postoperatively their elbow function was evaluated using 6 widely applied elbow scores, clinical examinafions, and radiographic examinations. Pearson correlations were calculated between the total scores of the 6 instruments, between the components of the scales, and with age. Regression equations were calculated between scales. Results There was no obvious relationship between the total scores. However the relationship between components of different score systems was tight. There was a negative correlation between age and function and between function and pain. The age factor had a high negative correlation score with every score system. Conclusion Mayo score, HSS2 score particularly emphasize on patients's ubjective assessment. Modified An and Morrey score and HSS score emphasize more on objective examination. Modified Breberg and Money score and de Boer YA score were relatively balanced for both subjective and objective assessment. We recommend HSS score as the first choice for clinician based outcomes and recommend HSS2 score to evaluate patient reported outcomes. Key words: Elbow joint; Treatment outcomes; Function; Assessment