Which shoulder outcome measure uses higher scores to indicate better function?

Which shoulder outcome measure uses higher scores to indicate better function?

• A. ASES
• B. DASH
• C. SPADI
• D. WOOS

Answer: (A)

Understanding how the score is interpreted is key. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) outcome measure uses a 100-point scale where higher numbers mean less pain and better shoulder function, since it combines a pain rating with functional activities into a total out of 100. This design makes a higher score a clearer sign of improvement or better function. In contrast, the other common shoulder measures—DASH, SPADI, and WOOS—are typically scored so that higher values reflect greater disability or worse symptoms, not better function. So the one that uses higher scores to indicate better function is the ASES.

Understanding how the score is interpreted is key. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) outcome measure uses a 100-point scale where higher numbers mean less pain and better shoulder function, since it combines a pain rating with functional activities into a total out of 100. This design makes a higher score a clearer sign of improvement or better function. In contrast, the other common shoulder measures—DASH, SPADI, and WOOS—are typically scored so that higher values reflect greater disability or worse symptoms, not better function. So the one that uses higher scores to indicate better function is the ASES.