A model instrument for the documentation of outcome after nerve repair

We present a new model for documentation and quantification of the function al outcome after nerve repair at the wrist or distal forearm level and a pr otocol that includes a numerical scoring system, The model, presented here along with validation and reliability test results, supports our hypothesis that the summarized test results reflecting specific functional limitation s correlates well with the patient's opinion of the impact of the nerve inj ury on activities of daily living. Seventy patients with nerve repair were examined using the protocol. Analysis included a factors: sensory domain (s ensory innervation, tactile gnosis, and finger dexterity), motor domain (mo tor innervation and grip strength), and pain/discomfort domain (hyperaesthe sia and cold intolerance). The analysis explained 73% of the variances of t he variables and the variables had a logical distribution between the facto rs. Analysis of internal consistency demonstrated good homogeneity. A calcu lated total score correlated strongly with the patients' global estimation of the impact of the injury on activities of daily living and the summary o f sensory and pain/discomfort domains correlated significantly with the Med ical Research Council S0-S4 scale. The presented model represents a useful new tool for evaluation of the functional outcome after nerve injury and re pair. (J Hand Surg 2000;25A:535-543. Copyright (C) 2000 by the American Soc iety for Surgery of the Hand.).