Minimal important changes in the Constant Murley score in patients with subacromial pain

• Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the minimal important change (MIC) of improvement in the Constant‐Murley score (CM score) in patients with longstanding subacromial pain and in subgroups of patients with subacromial pain with and without rotator cuff ruptures.Method: The MIC was estimated by using the visual anchor‐based MIC distribution method, which integrates an anchor‐ and distribution‐based approach: the optimal cut‐off point of the receiver operator characteristic curve (MIC ROC) and the 95% limit cut‐ off point (MIC 95%limit). The study population consisted of 93 patients included in a randomized clinical trial evaluating the effect of a specific exercise strategy in patients with longstanding subacromial pain.Results: The MIC ROC was found at a mean change of 17 points in the CM score. The MIC 95% limit was found at a mean change of 24 points. In the subgroup analysis the MIC ROC was found at a mean change of 19 points and the MIC 95% limit at 18 points in patients with an intact rotator cuff. In patients with rotator cuff ruptures the MIC ROC was found at a mean change of 15 points and the MIC 95% limit at 30 points.Conclusion: The CM score is able to detect the minimal important change in individual patients with long‐standing subacromial pain when the rotator cuff is intact. In all patients with longstanding subacromial pain, the MIC value was dependent on the subgroup as well as the choice of statistical analysis. The estimated MIC values could be used as an indication for relevant changes in the CM score in clinical practice and guide the clinician in how to interpret the results of specific treatments for patients with longstanding subacromial pain.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)