To 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).
Case series, with an average follow-up duration of 104.9 months.
Orthopedic outpatient clinic at a university hospital.
Of 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.
Not applicable.
Hand function tests and general health measures.
The 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.
The 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.