Interobserver Reliability of the Amsterdam Severity Scale in Stenosing Tenosynovitis (ASSiST)
published online 31 August 2009.
Abstract
Study Design
Interobserver reliability study.
Introduction
A scale was developed to measure the severity of stenosing tenosynovitis: the Amsterdam Severity Scale in Stenosing Tenosynovitis (ASSiST).
Purpose of the Study
To study the interobserver reliability of the ASSiST.
Methods
Patients suffering from various impairments in hand function were referred to our outpatient hand clinic. The grading of stenosing tenosynovitis was assessed independently. The observers were blinded for each other's results. The ASSiST distinguishes between a nodular and a diffuse form. The severity was graded from grades 0 to 3.
Results
Kappa coefficient for the distinction between the four grades was 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59–0.85) and for the distinction between the nodular and the diffuse forms 0.16 (95% CI 0.13–0.18).
Conclusion
The ASSiST can be used to reliably assess the severity of stenosing tenosynovitis in both nodular and diffuse forms, but it does not differentiate between these two forms.
Level of Evidence
Not applicable.
Jan van Breemen Institute, Center for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Jan van Breemen Institute, Center for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, EMGO Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Jan van Breemen Institute, Center for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Jan van Breemen Institute, Center for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, EMGO Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Jan van Breemen Institute, Center for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Correspondence and reprint requests to Wilfred F. H. Peter, PT, Jan van Breemen Institute, Center for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Jan van Breemenstraat 2, 1056 AB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
ABSTRACT