Abstract
We evaluated the responsiveness of patient questionnaires and physical testing in
the assessment of recovery after distal radius fracture. Patients (n = 59) were assessed
at their baseline clinic visit and again 3 and 6 months after injury. At each visit
patients completed a short form-36, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire,
and patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE). At 3 and 6 months grip strength, range
of motion, and dexterity were analyzed. Standardized response means (SRM) and effects
sizes were calculated to indicate responsiveness. The PRWE was the most responsive.
Both the PRWE (SRM = 2.27) and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (SRM
= 2.01) questionnaire were more responsive than the short form-36 (SRM = 0.92). The
physical component summary score of the short form-36 was similar to that of the physical
component subscales. Questionnaires were highly responsive during the 0- to 3-month
time period when physical testing could not be performed. Of the physical tests, grip
strength was most responsive, followed by range of motion. Responsive patient-rating
scales and physical performance evaluations can assist with outcome evaluation of
patients with distal radius fracture. (J Hand Surg 2000;25A:330–340. Copyright © 2000
by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand).
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
October 5,
1999
Received:
August 24,
1999
Footnotes
*No benefits in any form have been received or will be recieved from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
**Reprint requests: Joy C. MacDermid, PhD, Clinical Research Laboratory, Hand and Upper Limb Centre, St Joseph's Health Centre, PO Box 5777, London, Ontario, N6A 4L6 Canada.
*0363-5023/00/25A02-0008$3.00/0.
**J Hand Surg 2000;25A:330–340.
Identification
Copyright
© 2000 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
