Rating systems for evaluation of the elbow.

INTRODUCTION: Many scoring systems have been used for elbow disorders. However, only few of these have been validated, and many assess only few aspects of elbow function.
METHODS: A literature search was performed using the keyword 'elbow' in combination with 'scoring system', 'outcome assessment', 'elbow disorder' and 'clinical evaluation'.
RESULTS: Eighteen scoring systems are currently available for the evaluation of elbow disorders. Each of them evaluates the elbow performance using specific variables, including both objective and subjective criteria. All these scoring systems are presented. DISCUSSION: Although many scoring systems have been used to evaluate elbow function, we are still far from a single outcome evaluation system which is reliable, valid and sensitive to clinically relevant changes, takes into account both patients' and physicians' perspective and is short and practical to use.
CONCLUSION: Further studies are required to evaluate the reliability, validity and sensitivity of the elbow scoring systems used in the common clinical practice.