A newly designed shoulder orthosis for patients with glenohumeral subluxation: a clinical evaluation study

BACKGROUND: Shoulder complaints from glenohumeral subluxation are a common problem and limit patients during daily activities.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical pros and cons and usability of a newly developed shoulder orthosis (Roessingh Omo Support [ROS]) in patients with chronic shoulder complaints.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study.

METHODS: All patients older than 18 years who received the ROS were invited. Medical information was collected from medical records. Two questionnaires were sent to the patient: The "Shoulder Rating Questionnaire" (SRQ, max 100 points) for evaluation before and during use and a custom orthosis usability questionnaire.

RESULTS: In total, 28 patients (34 orthoses) participated in the study. Neuralgic amyotrophy was the most common diagnosis (64.3%). The SRQ showed a significant positive change of 8.9 points (from 35.0 [SD 12.6] to 43.9 [SD 14.3]). The most described goal was pain reduction (76.5%). 47.1% of the patients achieved their goal(s), and 71.4% were still using the orthosis. The mean satisfaction rate was 7.1 (SD 1.4).

CONCLUSION: The use of the ROS shows a significant functional improvement (SRQ), a decrease of pain, and a high degree of satisfaction, although the individual experiences of the patients are highly variable. Some modifications to the design to improve comfort may be needed.