Outcome measures following surgery to the rheumatoid hand

The measurement of outcomes following surgery to the rheumatoid hand is a clinical priority for hand surgeons and therapists since they guide clinical practice. Traditionally this has followed a biomedical and biomechanical orientation largely because loss of function has been conceptualized on an impairment level. The World Health Organization [World Health Organisation (2001). International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) World Health Organisation] classification of disease has produced a shift in the focus of outcome measures and currently measures that are more meaningful and important to the patient are advocated.