Although researchers and clinicians are encouraged to use health-status questionnaires to evaluate, monitor, and modify care, their use is hindered by the lack of reference values. Without reference values, it is difficult to interpret or evaluate questionnaire scores. In this paper, we present reference values for the Musculoskeletal Function Assessment, a 101-item health-status questionnaire designed and validated for patients with a broad range of musculoskcletal disorders. We describe reference values for two samples: non-patients (n = 123) and palients with isolated extremity injuries (n = 274). For thc non-patient sample, descriptive statistics arc presented by age and gender, measured at one point in time. For the patient sample, descriptive statistics are provided for seven Orlhopaedic Trauma Association/AO diagnostic groups. measured at two points in time. Reference values lor changes in the Musculoskeletal Function Assessment total score are described for patients 3 and 9 months and h and 12 months after injury. The total scores by post-injury interval, across the diagnostic groups, are significantly better at follow-up than at baseline (p = 0.00). Reference values for changes in total scores are also described in terms of these diagnostic groups across post-injury intervals. Musculoskeletal Function Assessment total scores for Orthopaedic Trauma AssociationiAO diagnostic groups are significantly better at follow-up than at baseline (p < 0.03). Changes in the total score are also tested for responsiveness with use of standardized response means. Large effects are demonstrated for patients completing the Musculoskeletal Function Assessment at 3 and 9 months (1.03), and small effects are demonstrated for those completing it at 6 and 12 months (0.49). Moderate and large effects are demonstrated for Orthopaedic Trauma Association/AO diagnostic groups across post-injury intervals.
The Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (MFA) assesses function in people with a broad range of musculoskeletal disorders. Its reliability, validity. and responsiveness have been demonstrated previously (3,12,13). Reference values for groups of patients with specific disorders (c.g., upper and lowcr cxtremity fractures, repetitive motion disorders, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis) have also been published (12). In this paper, we present reference values for patients with isolated injuries to the arms and legs, grouped by Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA)/AO diagnostic groups (4). These reference values enable researchers and clinicians to interpret the MFA tolal score and evaluate functioning of the patient for OTAiAO diagnostic groups at one or at two points over time. For example, by referring to the appropriate reference values, clinicians may assess if a patient with an anterior cruciate injury who scores 30