What are the limitations of the worc rotator cuff index?

While the worc rotator cuff index is highly validated, it should not replace clinical judgment. OpiCalc provides the latest evidence-based limitations for the worc rotator cuff index to ensure safe bedside use and optimal diagnostic accuracy.

How does the worc rotator cuff index compare to other SportsMedicine scores?

The worc rotator cuff index is a gold-standard diagnostic tool. OpiCalc provides side-by-side clinical guidance to help clinicians choose the most specific evidence-based tool for their patient's presentation.

Is the worc rotator cuff index free to use?

Yes. OpiCalc provides the worc rotator cuff index completely ad-free and optimized for mobile bedside use, ensuring you can calculate medical risk swiftly and without distraction.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Clinical Reference Hub

Curated insights • How it Works • Practical Pearls • Evidence Base

CLINICAL INSIGHT

When to Use

Evaluating QoL in patients with rotator cuff impingement or tears.
Assessing recovery post-rotator cuff repair (RCR).
Profiling functional deficits in subacromial pain syndrome.

Clinical Objective

WORC is a disease-specific measure designed to be sensitive enough to detect the clinical improvement following non-operative or surgical treatment of rotator cuff pathology.

CLINICAL INSIGHT

How it Works

Domains (21 Items)

Physical Symptoms (6 items)
Sports & Recreation (4 items)
Work (4 items)
Lifestyle (4 items)
Emotions (3 items)

Scoring Formula

CLINICAL INSIGHT

Practical Pearls

Interpretation

Score 100%

Score 0%

Clinical Pearls

The "Work" domain is vital for quantifying overhead labor tolerance.
MCID: ~10% (around 200 raw points).
Stronger correlation with patient satisfaction than range-of-motion measurements alone.

CLINICAL INSIGHT

Next Steps

Management Decisions

Low QoL score (< 50%) with positive imaging: Consider surgical consultation for full-thickness tears.
Moderate symptoms (60-80%): Implement 12-week supervised rotator cuff strengthening program (e.g., MOON Shoulder protocol).
Athlete Return: Aim for >90% Sport/Rec sub-score for overhead sports.

Related Tools

CLINICAL INSIGHT

Evidence Base

Foundational Study

The development and evaluation of a disease-specific quality-of-life questionnaire for disorders of the rotator cuff: The Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC).

Kirkley A, et al.Clin J Sport Med2003

View Source

Clinical Evidence and Methodology

Clinical Reference Hub

When to Use

When to Use

Clinical Objective

How it Works

Domains (21 Items)

Scoring Formula

Practical Pearls

Interpretation

Clinical Pearls

Next Steps

Management Decisions

Related Tools

Evidence Base

Foundational Study

WORC (Rotator Cuff Index)

-- %

Physical Symptoms Item 1

Physical Symptoms Item 2

Physical Symptoms Item 3

Physical Symptoms Item 4

Physical Symptoms Item 5

Physical Symptoms Item 6

Clinical Evidence and Methodology

Clinical Reference Hub

When to Use

When to Use

Clinical Objective

How it Works

Domains (21 Items)

Scoring Formula

Practical Pearls

Interpretation

Clinical Pearls

Next Steps

Management Decisions

Related Tools

Evidence Base

Foundational Study

WORC (Rotator Cuff Index)

-- %

Physical Symptoms Item 1

Physical Symptoms Item 2

Physical Symptoms Item 3

Physical Symptoms Item 4

Physical Symptoms Item 5

Physical Symptoms Item 6