Polish version of the Patient-Rated Ulnar Nerve Evaluation in preoperative patients: Translation and psychometric testing.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional design.

INTRODUCTION: This study examined the translated English to Polish version of the Patient-Rated Ulnar Nerve Evaluation (PRUNE) for its internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity.

METHODS: During the first assessment validity testing, a total of 39 consecutive patients with cubital tunnel syndrome completed the PRUNE, Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, and Patient Evaluation Measure in conjunction with the grip and key pinch tests and pain score (by Visual Analogue Scale). Cronbach's alpha (CA), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and the Bland-Altman plot were used to evaluate internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and agreement, respectively. Analysis of variance compared the PRUNE score with the McGowan clinical stages.

RESULTS: After a 1-day interval, 19 patients completed the PRUNE for the second time. The total PRUNE score was 44.4 ± 20.4, CA = 0.93, and ICC = 0.921. The total PRUNE score limits of agreement varied from -9.87 to 7.55 points. PRUNE subscale CA ranged from 0.79 to 092; the ICC varied from 0.738 to 0.911. The construct validity revealed a strong association with Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire (R = -0.83; P < .000), and moderate with Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (R = 0.75; P < .000), Patient Evaluation Measure (R = 0.75; P < .000), and Visual Analogue Scale (R = 0.69; P < .000). The grip and pinch tests had low and no correlation with the total PRUNE score, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The Polish version of PRUNE showed good psychometric properties for use in both clinical and research practice in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome of varying intensity.