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

AbstractObjectiveEvaluation of post-operative donor site disability remains unaddressed in radial forearm free flap cases. This study aimed to assess donor site dysfunction following radial forearm free flap harvest using validated general, disease-specific and site-specific disability questionnaires.MethodsIn this retrospective case series of 24 patients at a tertiary academic medical centre, patients were assessed using the Short Form 36 Health Survey, Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaire, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire. One-sample z-tests were performed, comparing means of the cohort to controls.ResultsCompared to population controls, the cohort had higher mean scores for the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (18.22 vs 10.1, p < 0.01), and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaire bothersome index (21.44 vs 13.77, p = 0.04), and a lower mean score for the Short Form 36 Health Survey physical component (38.88 vs 50, p < 0.01), indicating a greater disability for the cohort compared to controls.ConclusionRadial forearm free flap harvest causes significant long-term donor site disability in head and neck tumour patients. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire is a concise tool for measuring this dysfunction.

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Reliability, validity and responsiveness of the German Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment Questionnaire in patients undergoing surgical or conservative inpatient treatment

Quality of Life Research ◽

10.1007/s11136-006-0066-0 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 15 (7) ◽

pp. 1233-1241 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Nicole Wollmerstedt ◽

Stephan Kirschner ◽

Herrmann Faller ◽

Achim König

Keyword(s):

Inpatient Treatment ◽

Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment ◽

Musculoskeletal Function ◽

Assessment Questionnaire ◽

Function Assessment

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Subjective morbidity following fibular free flap reconstruction in head and neck cancer patients

The Journal of Laryngology & Otology ◽

10.1017/s0022215118001068 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 132 (8) ◽

pp. 729-733

Author(s):

D M Sparkman ◽

M R Simmons ◽

Y J Patil

Keyword(s):

Head And Neck Cancer ◽

Head And Neck ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Short Form ◽

Flap Reconstruction ◽

Free Flap Reconstruction ◽

Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment ◽

Musculoskeletal Function ◽

Function Assessment

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the presence of subjective post-operative donor site morbidity after fibula free flap reconstruction in head and neck cancer patients, utilising three validated instruments: the 36-item Short Form Health Survey, the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaire and the Lower Limb Core Scale.MethodsIn this retrospective study, all head and neck cancer patients who underwent fibula free flap reconstruction between January 2009 and July 2014 were identified. All questionnaires and their respective subcomponents were scored.ResultsTwenty-one cases were included. Patients were found to have a higher Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment bothersome index (22.42 vs 13.77, p = 0.03), a lower Short Form 36 Health Survey Physical Component Summary score (42.44 vs 50, p < 0.01) and a decreased Lower Limb Core Scale score (47.08 vs 90.52, p < 0.01), compared to US population norms. The Short Form 36 Health Survey Mental Component Summary scores and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment function index failed to demonstrate significant differences. Gender affected overall disability.ConclusionIn this study, significant long-term disability was demonstrated after fibular flap reconstruction, as measured by the Lower Limb Core Scale.

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