Our Summary

This study wanted to see how consistent the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), a test used to measure the success of elbow surgery, is when used by the same person (intra-observer reliability) and when compared to another similar test, the Oxford Elbow Score (OES) (inter-observer reliability). Patients who had elbow surgery took the MEPS test twice, once right after surgery and again 2-3 weeks later. They also took the OES test during the second interview. The researchers used two statistical methods (intraclass correlation coefficients and Pearson correlation coefficients) to see if the scores from the two tests were similar. If the scores were greater than 0.80, they considered this a substantial agreement. For the 42 patients who took part in the study, the average MEPS score was 78 initially and 77 at the second interview, while the average OES score was 79. The statistical analysis showed that the MEPS was very consistent when used by the same person over time and when compared to the OES. This suggests that the MEPS is a reliable way to measure the outcome of elbow surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) used for in the context of this study?
  2. How does the MEPS compare to the Oxford Elbow Score (OES) in terms of reliability?
  3. What does the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) of the MEPS indicate about its reliability as an outcome measure of elbow surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about elbow surgery is to follow a structured rehabilitation program to improve range of motion and strength in the elbow joint. This can help ensure a successful recovery and optimal outcomes following surgery. Additionally, it is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider during the recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for elbow surgery include those with conditions such as:

  1. Elbow arthritis
  2. Elbow instability
  3. Elbow fractures
  4. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
  5. Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
  6. Ulnar nerve entrapment (cubital tunnel syndrome)
  7. Elbow bursitis
  8. Elbow dislocation
  9. Elbow tendon tears
  10. Elbow contractures

These patients may experience persistent pain, limited range of motion, weakness, instability, and functional limitations that do not improve with non-surgical treatments such as rest, physical therapy, medications, and injections. Elbow surgery may be recommended to improve pain, function, and overall quality of life in these patients.

Timeline

  • Before elbow surgery:
  1. Patient experiences pain, limited range of motion, and functional limitations in the affected elbow.
  2. Patient consults with a healthcare provider who recommends elbow surgery as a treatment option.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations, including physical exams, imaging studies, and blood tests.
  4. Patient discusses the surgery, risks, benefits, and recovery process with the healthcare provider.
  5. Patient schedules the surgery and makes necessary arrangements for post-operative care.
  • After elbow surgery:
  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure under anesthesia.
  2. Patient wakes up in the recovery room and is monitored closely by healthcare professionals.
  3. Patient is prescribed pain medications and instructed on post-operative care, including wound care and physical therapy.
  4. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in the elbow in the immediate post-operative period.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider to monitor healing and progress.
  6. Patient starts physical therapy to regain strength, range of motion, and function in the elbow.
  7. Patient completes outcome measures such as the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) to assess the effectiveness of the surgery.
  8. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may experience improvements in elbow function over time.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of elbow surgery do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time after the surgery?
  4. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  5. How long will I be off work or unable to participate in certain activities?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  7. What are the success rates of this type of surgery for patients with similar conditions?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments to surgery that I should consider?
  9. What type of post-operative pain management will be provided?
  10. How frequently will follow-up appointments be needed after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Baessler A, Eason RR, Joyce MR, Dibaba DT, Wan JY, Azar FM, Brolin TJ, Throckmorton TW. Journal: J Surg Orthop Adv. 2022 Winter;31(4):229-232. PMID: 36594979