Translated abstract:
Two questionnaires for patient self-assessment of shoulder function were designed. They were based on two validated and internationally accepted scoring systems (Constant/Murley and Rowe) used by physicians. The structure and content of the original scores remained unchanged, but explanations and photographs were added to the various parameters to make them easier to understand for the patients. 100 patients completed the assessment form based on Constant and Murley, and a further 95 the form based on Rowe. The validity was tested by a correlationanalysis according to Spearman, comparing the questionnaire with the original score assessed by a physician. Both questionnaires demonstrate a reproducible and significant (p<0,001) very high correlation (r>0.9) in their overall results, and a moderate to very high correlation within single parameters (r>0.68) and between different kinds of shoulder-pathologies (r>0.66). Based on these results, it can be concluded, that a valid and reproducible assessment of the original scores is possible with the two new questionnaires. Self-evaluation allows reliable assessment not dependent on the examiners or location, resulting in a higher reachable number of patients for follow-up studies.