Functional Assessment of Harryman et al for the Rotator Cuff

 

Actions (referenced to same side as rotator cuff being evaluated):

(1) reach into the back pocket

(2) wash the opposite axilla

(3) comb the hair

(4) use the hand overhead

(5) use the extremity to pull something

(6) use the arm to dress

(7) sleep on the affected side

(8) wash the perineum

(9) eat with a utensil

(10) reach with the elbow held at shoulder level

(11) carry a weight 4.5 to 6.8 kilograms at the side

(12) lift a weight

(13) throw a ball

 

The grading of responses was not described. One possible way to use the actions as a functional tool is to grade each as follows:

Difficulty	Points
unable to do	0
very difficult	1
moderate difficulty	2
minor difficulty	3
normal (no difficulty)	4

 

total score =

= SUM(points for all 13 actions)

 

Impression:

• minimum score: 0

• maximum score: 52

• The lower the score the worse the rotator cuff function.