Testing av skulderfunksjon hos pasienter med proksimal humerus fraktur

The objective of the study was to find a reliable and valid assessment tool for evaluating shoulder function. 24 patients with proximal fractures of the humerus (33-86yrs) took part in the study. Four assessment tools were used; Constant score, four standardised shoulder function tests and two ADL questionnaires were evaluated in relation to intra-and inter-reliability. The data was analysed by correlation, Altman’s agreement and kappa. There were large variations in single measurements for the Constant score, 95 percent confidence interval (-10,9 - +10,3 points). The four function tests: intra-reliability 0,74–0,96 (Kappa), inter-reliability 0,36-069 (Kappa). Four ADL functions: 0,60-0,88 (Kappa). The correlation between Constant score, two function tests and four ADL functions: 0,60-0,88. The investigation suggests that there is good correlation between standardised shoulder function tests, ADL questionnaires and Constant score. There is reason to believe that the four function tests are useful tools in assessing shoulder function in the individual patient with proximal fracture of the humerus, providing the evaluation is undertaken by the same physiotherapist.