Upper Extremity Function Scale -- OrthoToolKit
The Upper Extremity Function Scale (UEFS) was first described in 1997 in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The scale was one of the first to characterize a patient's perceived upper extremity disability using a functional scale. It was created to be applicable for a variety of upper extremity disorders, including carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist tendonitis, and other wrist, elbow, and shoulder diseases. The UEFS consists of 8 questions, that are scored out of a possible 10 points. The scale is calculated by summing the points from each individual question, with a range of 0 (no disability) to 80 (maximum disability).
Original Literature:Pransky, Glenn, et al. "Measuring functional outcomes in work-related upper extremity disorders: development and validation of the Upper Extremity Function Scale." Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 39.12 (1997): 1195-1202. Additional Literature:Sambandam, Senthil Nathan, et al. "Critical analysis of outcome measures used in the assessment of carpal tunnel syndrome." International Orthopaedics 32.4 (2008): 497-504. Stratford, Paul W. "Development and initial validation of the Upper Ecxremity Functional Index." Physiotherapy Canada 52 (2001): 259-267. Chesworth, Bert M., et al. "Reliability and validity of two versions of the upper extremity functional index." Physiotherapy Canada 66.3 (2014): 243-253.
Dr. Glenn Pransky is an associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and a visiting lecturer at the Harvard School of Public Health. He is also a sendior editor for the Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. Dr. Pransky has authored over 120 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters.To view his publications, please visit PubMed.
Upper Extremity Function Scale: 0 / 80 = 0.0 %
Graphical Upper Extremity Function Scale: (%)
Graphical Upper Extremity Function Scale: (%)
Instructions: Please indicate which of the following things you have difficulty in doing because of your symptoms. Identify the number that indicates how much difficulty you have with each activity
A. Sleeping
B. Writing
C. Opening jars
D. Picking up small objects with fingers
E. Driving a car more than 30 minutes
F. Opening a door
G. Carrying milk jug from the refrigerator
H. Washing dishes
Upper Extremity Function Scale: 0 / 80 = 0.0 %
Graphical Upper Extremity Function Scale: (%)
Pertinent Positives:Graphical Upper Extremity Function Scale: (%)
Pertinent Negatives:
Sleeping: 0/10; Writing: 0/10; Opening jars: 0/10; Picking up small objects with fingers: 0/10; Driving a car more than 30 minutes: 0/10; Opening a door: 0/10; Carrying milk jug from the refrigerator: 0/10; Washing dishes: 0/10;