Is there a correlation between patient-reported outcome assessed by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire and total active motion after flexor tendon repair?

Abstract

Introduction Gliding without adhesion is imperative to regain full range of motion after flexor tendon repair. The purpose of this study was to find assessment tools that represent these outcomes and to explore their relationship with hand function. Methods Ninety-six flexor tendon injuries in 24 patients were assessed at 12 weeks after flexor tendon repair. Total active motion (TAM) and total passive motion (TPM) were recorded with a goniometer. For patient-reported upper extremity function, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire was used. Results A moderate negative correlation was found between total active motion and DASH score ( r = −0.3809 to −0.5815, P < 0.0001). While TAM and TPM improved over the 12-week period, mean values did not reach those of the uninjured hand. Mean DASH scores improved from 46.05 points at four weeks to 23.5 points at 12 weeks. Conclusion Despite early flexor tendon rehabilitation in this sample, after 12 weeks, some degree of dysfunction and loss of active ability for finger flexion still persisted. The DASH appears to be an appropriate outcome tool after flexor tendon repair. The combination of patient-reported questionnaire and measures of impairment such as TAM and TMP give a more comprehensive picture of functional outcome.