The relation of patient satisfaction and functional and cosmetic outcome after correction of the wrist flexion deformity in cerebral palsy

Abstract

Wrist flexion deformity in cerebral palsy is treated with flexor carpi ulnaris to extensor carpi radialis brevis transfer. The aim of the study was to assess the outcome of this procedure and analyse the determining factors for patient satisfaction. Fifteen patients were reviewed after a mean follow-up of 23 months. The functional and cosmetic outcome and patient satisfaction were evaluated using patient rated scales. There was a strong and significant correlation between the cosmetic outcome and patient satisfaction, but there was no significant correlation between functional improvement and patient satisfaction. When analysing the cosmetic outcome in relation to the time since surgery, there was a decrease in the patient rated improvement over time. It seems that patient satisfaction is mainly determined by the cosmetic result, but the improvement, or the perception of it, tends to diminish over time. Fourteen out of 15 patients felt that the procedure was worthwhile and eight of them felt that the result was good or excellent.