A patient-derived Constant-Murley score is comparable to a clinician-derived score

Although there are many advantages to patient-based assessment for musculoskeletal conditions, one common problem is that many of these assessments are perceived to be subjective. To overcome this limitation for patient-based shoulder evaluation, we developed a modified Constant-Murley score that allows patients to complete subjective and objective sections of the score.

The purpose of our study was to assess the reliability of the new patient-based Constant-Murley score questionnaire by comparing composite scores and subscores obtained with those obtained using the standard physician-based Constant-Murley questionnaire in the same group of patients.

Between August and October 2000, all patients having shoulder surgery in our institute were invited to participate in this study; 58 of 61 (95%) opted to do so and completed the patient-based questionnaire at preoperative and postoperative assessments. The clinician-based Constant-Murley score was performed by a clinician who was blinded to the corresponding patient-based questionnaire. Patients underwent various procedures ranging from manipulation under anesthesia and arthroscopic procedures to reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

The mean patient-based and the clinician-based Constant-Murley scores were 47 (SD = 19.5; range, 4-90; N = 108) and 48 (SD = 19.9; range, 4-90; N = 108) points respectively. The mean difference was -1.3 (SD = 3; range, -11 to 8; N = 108) points. The new patient-based Constant-Murley score questionnaire reproduced the patient-based method and had substantial to almost perfect agreement with it for the composite score and various subgroups.

These results suggest that a patient-based questionnaire can be used interchangeably with or in place of a clinician-based Constant-Murley score. These results apply to subjective and objective items of the Constant-Murley score.