Angst (2011) systematically reviews nine validated shoulder outcome instruments — DASH, QuickDASH, SPADI, ASES, Constant Score, SST, OSS, SDQ, and WOSI. Each tool is evaluated for reliability, validity, responsiveness, and clinical usability to guide instrument selection in both practice and research. The review concludes with a recommended battery for clinical and research settings.
Choosing the wrong outcome measure wastes data and can mask real treatment effects. With over 30 shoulder instruments in the literature, this review provides the evidence base for picking the right tool for the right context.
For broad shoulder conditions in clinic, pair the QuickDASH (2 minutes, captures upper extremity function) with the SPADI (2-3 minutes, highest responsiveness, free). Add the Constant Score when an examiner-based domain is required — but document its limitations, particularly the non-standardized strength testing.
When shoulder instability is the primary diagnosis, add the WOSI. It is the most rigorously validated instability-specific tool and is endorsed by the European shoulder society. Do not use the SDQ. The authors flag it as insufficiently validated for either clinical or research use. A rare explicit disqualification in a systematic review.
Angst (2011) systematically reviews nine validated shoulder outcome instruments — DASH, QuickDASH, SPADI, ASES, Constant Score, SST, OSS, SDQ, and WOSI. Each tool is evaluated for reliability, validity, responsiveness, and clinical usability to guide instrument selection in both practice and research. The review concludes with a recommended battery for clinical and research settings.
Choosing the wrong outcome measure wastes data and can mask real treatment effects. With over 30 shoulder instruments in the literature, this review provides the evidence base for picking the right tool for the right context.
For broad shoulder conditions in clinic, pair the QuickDASH (2 minutes, captures upper extremity function) with the SPADI (2-3 minutes, highest responsiveness, free). Add the Constant Score when an examiner-based domain is required — but document its limitations, particularly the non-standardized strength testing.
When shoulder instability is the primary diagnosis, add the WOSI. It is the most rigorously validated instability-specific tool and is endorsed by the European shoulder society. Do not use the SDQ. The authors flag it as insufficiently validated for either clinical or research use. A rare explicit disqualification in a systematic review.