Performance of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Questionnaire and the Moberg Picking Up Test in Patients With Finger Joint Arthroplasty

Chiari-Grisar C, Koller U, Stamm TA, Wanivenhaus A, Trieb K. Performance of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Questionnaire and the Moberg Picking Up Test in patients with finger joint arthroplasty.ObjectiveTo compare the performance of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome (DASH) Questionnaire and the Moberg Picking Up Test (MPUT) with other outcome measurement tools in assessing both hand function and aspects of general health in finger joint arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).DesignCase series, with an average follow-up duration of 104.9 months.SettingOrthopedic outpatient clinic at a university hospital.ParticipantsOf 64 consecutive patients (21 dead, 6 lost to follow-up), 37 patients with 140 spacers in 107 metacarpophalangeal and 33 proximal interphalangeal joints of 51 hands were evaluated.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresHand function tests and general health measures.ResultsThe DASH correlated with both hand function (Health Assessment Questionnaire: r=.72, P<.01; MPUT: r=0.6, P<.01) and general health (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey subscales: r range, −.73 to −.31; P range, <.001 to <.05). The MPUT was a suitable tool for precision grip testing.ConclusionsThe DASH has the advantage of being self-administered and assesses both functional and health aspects. It can be recommended as an instrument for a routine clinical follow-up for patients with hand surgery and RA. Additional tests should be applied when detailed information is needed.