The Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index Normative Values for Age and Gender

Abstract Background The Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) is a widely used disease specific outcome tool, developed for patients with rotator cuff injuries. The determination of age- and gender-adjusted normative WORC values enables to determine whether a procedure is more beneficial in specific patient groups, because the results can be compared with a matched standard. The purpose of this study was to determine normative WORC values and assess whether the WORC needs an adjusted score for age- and gender. Methods We included participants using an online data capturing program. We collected the following variables; age, gender, presence of shoulder pathology, Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) and the WORC score. We defined the mean normative WORC score per age category and analyzed gender differences in WORC scores, per age category and in all domains of the WORC score. Results A total of 470 participants filled out the questionnaire. We excluded 44 participants because of pre-existing shoulder complaints or an incomplete questionnaire. The mean total WORC score was 94 (±9) and the mean total WORC score in every age and gender category was > 90%. Of all participants, 85% scored between 91%-100%, 63 participants (15%) scored 100%. The mean overall SSV was 98% (±6). We found no statistically significant differences between genders in the overall score, domain scores and within the age categories. Conclusion We defined normative values for the WORC questionnaire in a random prospective cohort and found no difference in scores between genders. The mean normative scores all are within the variance of the maximum, the WORC score does not deteriorate with age. It seems that the results of this subjective questionnaire change with the participant’s perspective. An adjusted WORC score for age and gender is not necessary. This information can serve as basis for comparison with patients with shoulder disease. Level of evidence Basic Science Study; Validation of Outcomes Instruments