RobRoy L. Martin

Evidence of validity for the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM).

Background: There is no universally accepted instrument that can be used to evaluate changes in self-reported physical function for individuals with leg, ankle, and foot musculoskeletal disorders. The objective of this study was to develop an instrument to meet this need: the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Additionally, this study was designed to provide validity evidence for interpretation of FAAM scores. Methods: Final item reduction was completed using item response theory with 1027 subjects. Validity evidence was provided by 164 subjects that were expected to change and 79 subjects that were expected to remain stable. These subjects were given the FAAM and SF-36 to complete on two occasions 4 weeks apart. Results: The final version of the FAAM consists of the 21-item activities of daily living (ADL) and 8-item Sports subscales, which together produced information across the spectrum ability. Validity evidence was provided for test content, internal structure, score stability, and responsiveness. Test retest reliability was 0.89 and 0.87 for the ADL and Sports subscales, respectively. The minimal detectable change based on a 95% confidence interval was ±5.7 and ±-12.3 points for the ADL and Sports subscales, respectively. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA and ROC analysis found both the ADL andSports subscales were responsive to changes in status (p < 0.05). The minimal clinically important differences were 8 and 9 points for the ADL and Sports subscales, respectively. Guyatt responsive index and ROC analysis found the ADL subscale was more responsive than general measures of physical function while the Sports subscale was not. The ADL and Sport subscales demonstrated strong relationships with the SF-36 physical function subscale (r = 0.84, 0.78) and physical component summary score (r = 0.78, 0.80) and weak relationships with the SF-36 mental function subscale (r = 0.18, 0.11) and mental component summary score (r = 0.05, −0.02). Conclusions: The FAAM is a reliable, responsive, and valid measure of physical function for individuals with a broad range of musculoskeletal disorders of the lower leg, foot, and ankle.

Validity of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure in athletes with chronic ankle instability.

CONTEXT The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is a region-specific, non-disease-specific outcome instrument that possesses many of the clinimetric qualities recommended for an outcome instrument. Evidence of validity to support the use of the FAAM is available in individuals with a wide array of ankle and foot disorders. However, additional evidence to support the use of the FAAM for those with chronic ankle instability (CAI) is needed. OBJECTIVE To provide evidence of construct validity for the FAAM based on hypothesis testing in athletes with CAI. DESIGN Between-groups comparison. SETTING Athletic training room. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Thirty National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II athletes (16 men, 14 women) from one university. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The FAAM including activities of daily living (ADL) and sports subscales and the global and categorical ratings of function. RESULTS For both the ADL and sports subscales, FAAM scores were greater in healthy participants (100 +/- 0.0 and 99 +/- 3.5, respectively) than in subjects with CAI (88 +/- 7.7 and 76 +/- 12.7, respectively; P < .001). Similarly, for both ADL and sports subscales, FAAM scores were greater in athletes who indicated that their ankles were normal (98 +/- 6.3 and 96 +/- 6.9, respectively) than in those who classified their ankles as either nearly normal or abnormal (87 +/- 6.6 and 71 +/- 11.1, respectively; P < .001). We found relationships between FAAM scores and self-reported global ratings of function for both ADL and sports subscales. Relationships were stronger when all athletes, rather than just those with CAI, were included in the analyses. CONCLUSIONS The FAAM may be used to detect self-reported functional deficits related to CAI.

The Development and Validation of a Self-Administered Quality-of-Life Outcome Measure for Young, Active Patients With Symptomatic Hip Disease: The International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33)

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to develop a self-administered evaluative tool to measure health-related quality of life in young, active patients with hip disorders. METHODS This outcome measure was developed for active patients (aged 18 to 60 years, Tegner activity level ≥ 4) presenting with a variety of symptomatic hip conditions. This multicenter study recruited patients from international hip arthroscopy and arthroplasty surgeon practices. The outcome was created using a process of item generation (51 patients), item reduction (150 patients), and pretesting (31 patients). The questionnaire was tested for test-retest reliability (123 patients); face, content, and construct validity (51 patients); and responsiveness over a 6-month period in post-arthroscopy patients (27 patients). RESULTS Initially, 146 items were identified. This number was reduced to 60 through item reduction, and the items were categorized into 4 domains: (1) symptoms and functional limitations; (2) sports and recreational physical activities; (3) job-related concerns; and (4) social, emotional, and lifestyle concerns. The items were then formatted using a visual analog scale. Test-retest reliability showed Pearson correlations greater than 0.80 for 33 of the 60 questions. The intraclass correlation statistic was 0.78, and the Cronbach α was .99. Face validity and content validity were ensured during development, and construct validity was shown with a correlation of 0.81 to the Non-Arthritic Hip Score. Responsiveness was shown with a paired t test (P ≤ .01), effect size of 2.0, standardized response mean of 1.7, responsiveness ratio of 6.7, and minimal clinically important difference of 6 points. CONCLUSIONS We have developed a new quality-of-life patient-reported outcome measure, the 33-item International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33). This questionnaire uses a visual analog scale response format designed for computer self-administration by young, active patients with hip pathology. Its development has followed the most rigorous methodology involving a very large number of patients. The iHOT-33 has been shown to be reliable; shows face, content, and construct validity; and is highly responsive to clinical change. In our opinion the iHOT-33 can be used as a primary outcome measure for prospective patient evaluation and randomized clinical trials.

Evidence of Reliability and Responsiveness for the Hip Outcome Score

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to offer evidence of test-retest reliability and responsiveness of both the Hip Outcome Score (HOS) activities of daily living (ADL) and sports subscales. METHODS We included 126 subjects in this study. They had a mean age of 41 years (range, 13 to 80 years; SD, 16). All 126 subjects underwent hip arthroscopy with the following procedures performed: labral debridement or repair (or both) (91%), osteoplasty (60%), chondral debridement-microfracture (51%), or capsular tightening (37%) (or some combination thereof). Of the subjects, 108 were in a group whose condition changed and 18 were in a group whose condition remained stable. The time between the first and second completion of the HOS averaged 7 months for both the change group (range, 55 to 420 days; SD, 96) and the stable group (range, 85 to 399 days; SD, 99). RESULTS The intraclass correlation coefficient values were 0.98 and 0.92 for the ADL and sports subscales, respectively, with minimal detectable change values of +/- 3 points. Using 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance, we found that the subscales were responsive to change in status (P < .0005), with effect sizes of 1.2 and 1.5 for the ADL and sports subscales, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the ADL and sports subscales were 0.88 and 0.90, respectively. The minimal clinically important difference values were 9 points and 6 points for the ADL and sports subscales, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the use of the HOS as a self-reported evaluative outcome instrument with evidence of reliability and responsiveness for individuals who undergo arthroscopic hip surgery. A score change beyond 3 points represents a change beyond measurement error for the ADL and sports subscales. An increase in the score above 9 points and 6 points represents a meaningful increase for the ADL and sports subscales, respectively.

An outcome study of chronic achilles tendinosis after excision of the achilles tendon and flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer

Background: A number of operative techniques, including decompression with debridement and flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon augmentation, have been described for chronic degenerative Achilles tendinosis. Decompression with debridement has been shown to be effective; however, pain and functional limitation can persist in individuals with more severe tendon involvement. Augmentation with the FHL tendon can add mechanical support; however, difficulty in achieving proper tendon tensioning and the potential to leave behind painful diseased tendon are disadvantages of the technique. The purpose of this study was to present the results of a modified technique in which the Achilles tendon is completely excised and the FHL tendon is transferred. Methods: Fifty-six surgeries using this modified technique were done between October, 1994, and March, 2002, for patients with chronic degenerative Achilles tendinosis. Forty-four patients with and average age of 58.2 (SD 10.1) years and an average time of followup of 3.4 (SD 1.9) years were available for testing. All subjects were mailed a packet of standardized questionnaire information that included the Self-Reported Health Related Quality of Life measures Short Form (SF-36) and the subjective component of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle and Hindfoot Score. Nineteen patients returned to the clinic for objective assessment. Statistical analysis tested for a difference in the SF-36 scores between our subjects and the general United States population and for a difference in strength and range of motion between the involved and uninvolved lower extremities. Results: Pain decreased in 95.5% (n = 42) patients, and 86.4% (n = 38) patients were satisfied with the result. There was no significant difference (p >.05) between the SF-36 scores obtained by our sample compared to the general United States population. The average AOFAS score for the 19 patients was 91.6 (SD 7.7). Dorsiflexion range of motion was not significantly different (p = 0.17); however, significant deficits were found in plantarflexion range of motion (p = 0.001) and plantarflexion strength (p < 0.025). Strength deficits were 30% on average; however, all but one patient could do a heel raise. Conclusion: Complete Achilles tendon excision reduces pain while preserving functional status. Although strength deficits persisted, these deficits did not seem to affect the functional status in this sample of patients.

Heel pain--plantar fasciitis: clinical practice guildelines linked to the international classification of function, disability, and health from the orthopaedic section of the American Physical Therapy Association.

The Heel Pain-Plantar Fasciitis Guidelines link the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) body structures (Ligaments and fascia of ankle and foot, and Neural structures of lower leg) and the ICF body functions (Pain in lower limb, and Radiating pain in a segment or region) with the World Health Organizations International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) health condition (Plantar fascia fibromatosis/Plantar fasciitis). The purpose of these practice guidelines is to describe evidence-based orthopaedic physical therapy clinical practice and provide recommendations for (1) examination and diagnostic classification based on body functions and body structures, activity limitations, and participation restrictions, (2) prognosis, (3) interventions provided by physical therapists, and (4) assessment of outcome for common musculoskeletal disorders.

Outcome study of subjects with insertional plantar fasciitis.

Nonsurgical treatment programs have been shown to be successful in the treatment of insertional plantar fasciitis. 13,5,10,13,14,16,18,19,22,24,25 However, there is little support for one protocol in preference to another, and there is inconsistency in the treatments provided by various practitioners. Compliance with these nonsurgical treatment programs and the effects of various modalities on patient outcome have not been addressed, The optimal nonsurgical treatment protocol for insertional plantar fasciitis is not clear, and many studies have documented good clinical results with many different regimes,1-3,5,1 0,13,14,16,18,19,22,24,25 Treatments have included one or more of the following: stretching exercises for the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, night splints, therapeutic modalities, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID), custom orthoses, heel cups, shoe modifications, casting, steroid injections, and surgery.4,6-8,10-14,16,18,19,21-24

The Pattern and Technique in the Clinical Evaluation of the Adult Hip: The Common Physical Examination Tests of Hip Specialists

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the technique and tests used in the physical examination of the adult hip performed by multiple clinicians who regularly treat patients with hip problems and identify common physical examination patterns. METHODS The subjects included 5 men and 6 women with a mean age (+/-SD) of 29.8 +/- 9.4 years. They underwent physical examination of the hip by 6 hip specialists with a strong interest in hip-related problems. All examiners were blind to patient radiographs and diagnoses. Patient examinations were video recorded and reviewed. RESULTS It was determined that 18 tests were most frequently performed (>or=40%) by the examiners, 3 standing, 11 supine, 3 lateral, and 1 prone. Of the most frequently performed tests, 10 were performed more than 50% of the time. The tests performed in the supine position were as follows: flexion range of motion (ROM) (percentage of use, 98%), flexion internal rotation ROM (98%), flexion external rotation ROM (86%), passive supine rotation test (76%), flexion/adduction/internal rotation test (70%), straight leg raise against resistance test (61%), and flexion/abduction/external rotation test (52%). The tests performed in the standing position were the gait test (86%) and the single-leg stance phase test (77%). The 1 test in the prone position was the femoral anteversion test (58%). CONCLUSIONS There are variations in the testing that hip specialists perform to examine and evaluate their patients, but there is enough commonality to form the basis to recommend a battery of physical examination maneuvers that should be considered for use in evaluating the hip. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Patients presenting with groin, abdominal, back, and/or hip pain need to have a basic examination to ensure that the hip is not overlooked. A comprehensive physical examination of the hip will benefit the patient and the physician and serve as the foundation for future multicenter clinical studies.

Ankle Stability and Movement Coordination Impairments: Ankle Ligament Sprains

The Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has an ongoing effort to create evidence-based practice guidelines for orthopaedic physical therapy management of patients with musculoskeletal impairments described in the World Health Organizations International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). The purpose of these clinical practice guidelines is to describe the peer-reviewed literature and make recommendations related to ankle ligament sprain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(9):A1–A40. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.0305

The Interrater Reliability of 4 Clinical Tests Used to Assess Individuals With Musculoskeletal Hip Pain

STUDY DESIGN Descriptive and reliability study. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the interrater reliability of the FABER test, flexion-internal rotation-adduction impingement test, log roll test, and the palpation of the greater trochanter for tenderness. BACKGROUND Clinical examination for individuals with musculoskeletal hip pain is believed to provide critical diagnostic information. However, there is very limited information in the literature on the reproducibility of examination techniques for the hip region. METHODS AND MEASURES Seventy subjects were evaluated prospectively by an orthopaedic surgeon and physical therapist. Subjects had a mean age of 42 years (range 18-76 years; SD 15.4) and included 32 (46%) females and 38 (54%) males. Subject diagnoses were as follows: degenerative joint disease (n=27 [39% of subjects]), labral tear (n=35 [50% of subjects]), femoroacetabular impingement (n=48 [69% of subjects]), capsular laxity (n=28 [40% of subjects]), trochanteric bursitis (n=29 [41% of subjects]), iliopsoas tendonitis (n=10 [14% of subjects]), and adductor strain (n=2 [3% of subjects)]. Subjects could have more than 1 diagnosis. Kappa, prevalence indexes, bias indexes, and maximal attainable kappa were calculated. RESULTS Kappa (kappa) coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were as follows: FABER test kappa was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.43-0.83); flexion-internal rotation-adduction impingement test kappa was 0.58 (95% CI: 0.29-0.87); log roll test kappa was 0.61 (95% CI: 0.41-0.81); and greater trochanteric tenderness kappa was 0.66 (95% CI: 0.48-0.84). Bias indexes were low (0.06-0.08) for all 4 tests while prevalence indexes were low (0.03-0.37) for 3 of the 4 tests. The flexion-internal rotation-adduction impingement test had a high prevalence index (0.76), with a higher proportion of positive tests. CONCLUSION The kappa values for the FABER test, log roll test, and assessment of greater trochanteric tenderness were greater than 0.40 (fair level of agreement) at a 95% confidence level. The low reliability obtained for the flexion-internal rotation-adduction impingement test may be related to a prevalence concern.