Stenosing flexor tenosynovitis: Validity of standard assessment tools of daily functioning and quality of life

• Construct validity of the DASH and WHOQOL-BREF for individuals with SFT.
• The DASH and WHOQOL-BREF discriminated between individuals with SFT and controls.
• Effect of SFT severity on quality of life was demonstrated.

Study designCross-sectional.IntroductionStenosing flexor tenosynovitis (SFT) is a common hand disease, yet there is a lack of valid standard assessments for this population.Purpose of the studyValidation of assessment for the evaluation of disability and quality of life related to SFT clinical severity.MethodsSixty five participants with SFT were matched to 71 controls. Participant's symptoms were graded using the Quinnell classification. Disability and quality of life were evaluated using the DASH and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires.ResultsSmall to moderate correlations were found between SFT grade and the DASH and WHOQOL-BREF. Both questionnaires differentiated between the first and third clinical grades and between SFT and healthy groups.DiscussionBoth questionnaires are useful tools to distinguish between participants with SFT and controls and between mild and severe clinical grades.ConclusionThe DASH and WHOQOL-BREF may be implemented in the clinical management and research of SFT.Level of evidenceDiagnostic III