Abstract
The collection of outcomes data is critical for conducting clinical studies in orthopaedic surgery. Both subjective outcome data [e.g. Short Form-12 (SF-12) and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index] and objective data (e.g. range of motion) are necessary. Numerous studies have been conducted on the collection of patient survey data through electronic means (e.g. personal digital assistant and tablet PC), but none of these studies have made use of a device with an intuitive touch-screen interface. Studies have also been conducted on the collection of physical examination data through research- grade accelerometers but few have focused on the use of commercially available electronic devices. The goal of our project was to develop a mobile computing touch-screen system for capturing subjective and objective outcome data for the assessment of patients with rotator cuff tears. We were able to accomplish this goal through the development of a novel iPad/iPod Touch tool. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of shoulder flexion and external rotation measurements were good.
Keywords: Rotator cuff; Shoulder; Outcomes; Mobile computing; Surveys; iPad; iPod.
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