Responsiveness of the short form-36, disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand questionnaire, patient-rated wrist evaluation, and physical impairmentmeasurements in evaluating recovery after a distal radius fracture

We evaluated the responsiveness of patient questionnaires and physical test ing in the assessment of recovery after distal radius fracture. Patients (n = 59) were assessed at their baseline clinic visit and again 3 and 6 month s after injury. At each visit patients completed a short form-36, Disabilit y of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, and patient-rated wrist eva luation (PRWE). At 3 and 6 months grip strength, range of motion, and dexte rity were analyzed. Standardized response means (SRM) and effects sizes wer e calculated to indicate responsiveness. The PRWE was the most responsive. Both the PRWE (SRM = 2.27) and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Han d (SRM = 2.01) questionnaire were more responsive than the short form-36 (S RM = 0.92). The physical component summary score of the short form-36 was s imilar to that of the physical component subscales. Questionnaires were hig hly responsive during the 0- to 3-month time period when physical testing c ould not be performed. Of the physical tests, grip strength was most respon sive, followed by range of motion. Responsive patient-rating scales and phy sical performance evaluations can assist with outcome evaluation of patient s with distal radius fracture. (J Hand Surg 2000;25A:330-340. Copyright (C) 2000 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.).