title: Assessment of functional limitations caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans infection: towards a Buruli ulcer functional limitation score.
abstract: The purpose of this study of treated Buruli ulcer patients in Ghana was to identify and assess late sequelae of treated Buruli ulcer using a goniometer, and to develop a scoring system for functional limitations. Of 78 patients, 58% (n = 45) had a reduction in the range of motion of one or more joints: 30% (n = 23) had one or more functional limitations of the leg and 21% (n = 16) of the arm; 49% (n = 38) had a functional limitation. Of all patients with affected knees, the predicted average extent of limitation was 63%. In patients with affected ankles, limitation was 78% on average; in those with elbow involvement, this was 76% on average, and in wrists involved, 65%. All of the hands involved were markedly restricted. We propose a simplified and functional scoring system that should be tested for validation in a second patient sample, and, if properly validated and adjusted, can be used in future intervention trials.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Groningen University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Debora E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Ellen
authors.forename: Ymkje
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Stienstra
authors.forename: Margreet A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Teelken
authors.forename: Pieter U
authors.initials: PU
authors.lastname: Dijkstra
authors.forename: Winette T A
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: van der Graaf
authors.forename: Tjip S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: van der Werf
mesh_terms: D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009165:Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019911:Mycobacterium ulcerans; D011379:Prognosis; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012883:Skin Ulcer / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014382:Tuberculosis, Cutaneous / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology*