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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
07:56
A Standardized Method for Measurement of Elbow Kinesthesia
Published on: October 10, 2020
Estimating minimal clinically important differences in primary elective total elbow arthroplasty using
Dimitris Challoumas1,2, Tin-Ning Wong2, Neal Millar2
1Wrightington Upper Limb Unit, Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh NHS Foundation Trust, Wigan, UK.
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Arthroplasty
|August 9, 2026
Summary
This study establishes crucial minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) for total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) outcomes, providing benchmarks for pain, function, and motion to guide clinical decisions.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biostatistics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) for primary total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) are currently undefined, hindering the interpretation of clinical benefits.
- This lack of defined MCIDs limits the ability to assess meaningful patient improvement after TEA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine total elbow arthroplasty (TEA)-specific distribution-based MCIDs using baseline variability data from primary elective TEA cohorts.
- To identify and review previously published MCIDs relevant to elbow conditions.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of primary elective TEA studies reporting baseline variability statistics was conducted.
- Distribution-based MCIDs were estimated using the half-standard deviation (SD) method and the one standard error of measurement method.
- A scoping review identified existing anchor- or distribution-based MCIDs for various elbow conditions.
Main Results:
- Half-SD derived MCIDs were established for pain visual analog scale (1.0 point), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) (11 points), flexion-extension arc (15°), and pronation-supination arc (20°).
- The one standard error of measurement method yielded an MCID of 16 points for the MEPS.
- No prior TEA-specific MCID studies were found; 9 MCIDs across other elbow conditions showed significant variability.
Conclusions:
- The derived TEA-specific, distribution-based MCID estimates provide a practical framework for interpreting outcomes related to pain, function, and range of motion.
- These MCIDs can enhance shared decision-making between patients and surgeons.
- The findings offer valuable benchmarks for future research in total elbow arthroplasty.
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