Abstract
Seventeen patients with 28 flexor tendon injuries were examined after tendon repair. The current most frequently used evaluation systems, including grip and pinch strength, were compared with functional outcome as assessed by a questionnaire, evaluating Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH). Good correlation was found between Total Active Motion (TAM) and the Original Strickland test (kappa = 0.85), however with reduced categories. Only limited correlation was found between the DASH-score and TAM (r =-0.33) as well as between the DASH-score and pinch strength (r =-0.35). We suggest reporting the average Range of Motion (ROM) of the complete finger as a percentage of the contralateral finger, instead of reporting the classified result, and to include assessment of pinch strength. It would be very useful to have an accurate functional outcome assessment, but DASH proves to be insufficiently sensitive.
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R. Van Hee
Prof. Dr. R. Van Hee Academic Surgical Centre Stuivenberg university of Antwerp Lange Beeldekensstraat 267 B-2060 Antwerpen, Belgium Tel.: +32 3 217 72 60 Fax: +32 3 217 72 54 E-mail: [email protected]