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Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
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Is the Simple Shoulder Test a valid outcome instrument for shoulder arthroplasty?
Jason E Hsu1, Stacy M Russ1, Jeremy S Somerson2
1Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
|June 12, 2017
Summary
The Simple Shoulder Test (SST) effectively measures outcomes after shoulder arthroplasty. This study validates the SST as a reliable tool for assessing patient recovery and satisfaction following shoulder surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Patient-Reported Outcomes
- Surgical Assessment
Background:
- The Simple Shoulder Test (SST) is a common patient-reported outcome tool.
- Its validity in shoulder arthroplasty patients requires rigorous evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the validity and responsiveness of the SST for outcome assessment in shoulder arthroplasty.
- To analyze SST properties using a systematic literature review and surgical case data.
Main Methods:
- Collected SST, SF-36, and satisfaction scores preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively.
- Assessed responsiveness by comparing pre- and postoperative scores.
- Determined criterion and construct validity using correlations and clinical hypotheses.
Main Results:
- SST scores significantly improved post-arthroplasty (3.9 to 10.2, P < .001).
- Improved SST scores strongly correlated with patient satisfaction (P < .001).
- The SST demonstrated large effect sizes and supported construct validity across various patient factors.
Conclusions:
- The Simple Shoulder Test (SST) is a valid and responsive patient-reported outcome measure.
- The SST is suitable for assessing outcomes in shoulder arthroplasty patients.
- Findings support the SST's use in clinical practice and research for shoulder arthroplasty.

