An accurate method of measuring shoulder sling compliance: a validation study
Open Access
- 7 June 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Springer Science and Business Media LLC in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Vol. 22 (1), 1-7
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-021-04396-1
Abstract
The effect of postoperative shoulder sling compliance on surgical outcomes is unknown. The goal was to determine an accurate method to measure sling compliance. We compared volunteer recorded sling wear time with temperature-based sensors to monitor sling compliance. Data loggers sutured at three locations measured heat generated in 15-minute intervals. Slings wearers logged sling wear to accurately cross-reference with temperature sensors. Secondary experiments analyzed whether surrounding ambient temperature can be discerned from actual sling wear. We created an algorithm to describe actual sling wear time as a function of heat recorded and calculated percent wear accuracy. The modified sling was worn for 172 h. The algorithm modeled sling on/off times by analyzing cutoff temperatures. Diagnostic accuracy was >99 % for the three locations, with no statistically significant differences among them. Compared with sling wear, ambient temperature took longer to reach critical temperature values determined by the algorithm, helping distinguish compliance from false positives. The described algorithm can effectively quantify shoulder sling wear time based on heat-generated sensor readings. False positives from ambient temperature are minimal. This measurement method could be used to study the relationship between postoperative sling use and functional outcomes after shoulder surgery.This publication has 18 references indexed in Scilit:
- No Functional Difference Between Three and Six Weeks of Immobilization After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Non-Inferiority TrialArthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery, 2018
- The Objective Measurement of Brace-Use Adherence in the Treatment of Idiopathic ClubfootJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 2016
- Requirements for Minimum Sample Size for Sensitivity and Specificity AnalysisJournal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2016
- Patient adherence with postoperative restrictions after rotator cuff repairJournal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2014
- Shoulder Stiffness After Rotator Cuff Repair: Risk Factors and Influence on OutcomeArthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery, 2013
- Prospective evaluation of postoperative compliance and outcomes after rotator cuff repair in patients with and without workers' compensation claimsJournal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2012
- Bracing Following Correction of Idiopathic Clubfoot Using the Ponseti MethodJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2010
- Brace Wear Control of Curve Progression in Adolescent Idiopathic ScoliosisJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 2010
- Long Durations of Immobilization in the Rat Result in Enhanced Mechanical Properties of the Healing Supraspinatus Tendon Insertion SiteJournal of Biomechanical Engineering, 2006
- Adherence to Long-Term Therapies: Evidence for ActionEuropean Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 2003