Selda Basar1, Seyit Citaker1, Ulunay Kanatli2, Burak Yagmur Ozturk3, Sadettin Kilickap4, Nihan K Kafa1
1 Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nigde, Turkey 2 Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Nigde, Turkey 3 Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic, Nigde State Hospital, Nigde, Turkey 4 Department of Preventive Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
Correspondence Address:
Selda Basar Muammer Yasar Bostanci Cad, Emniyet Mah., No: 16, Besevler, Ankara Turkey
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
DOI: 10.4103/0973-6042.145249

Purpose: The rotator cuff tears (RCT) are a well-known cause of shoulder pain and loss of upper extremity function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the upper extremity function using two different methods in patients with RCT and to determine the parameters that influence the upper extremity function.
Materials and Methods: A sample of 38 patients (27-76 years; 10 men and 28 women) who were diagnosed with a chronic full-thickness RCT, confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), was studied. Upper extremity function was determined using Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) and 9 Hole Peg Test (9PEG). Other assessments included active range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, shoulder pain, and scapular dyskinesis.
Results: There was a weak association between WORC scores and 9PEG. A statistically significant, negative relationship was found between 9PEG and ROM in supination, as well as muscle strength of shoulder extensors, adductors, internal and external rotators.
Conclusions: In addition to the weak association between WORC and 9PEG, the difference between the parameters related to each method suggests that they should not be used interchangeably to determine the upper extremity function. We recommend the utilization of 9PEG instead of WORC in assessing the upper extremity function in the setting of loss of muscle strength.
Level of Evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic study.
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