Responsiveness and validity of the Normal Hand Score in patients undergoing carpal tunnel decompression.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

The incidence of surgical intervention following a suspected scaphoid fracture.

Aims: The underlying natural history of suspected scaphoid fractures (SSFs) is unclear and assumed poor. There is an urgent requirement to develop the literature around SSFs to quantify the actual prevalence of intervention following SSF. Defining the risk of intervention following SSF may influence the need for widespread surveillance and screening of SSF injuries, and could influence medicolegal actions around missed scaphoid fractures. Methods: Data on SSF were retrospectively gathered from virtual fracture clinics (VFCs) across a large Scottish Health Board over a four-year period, from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021. The Bluespier Electronic Patient Record System identified any surgical procedure being undertaken in relation to a scaphoid injury over the same time period. Isolating patients who underwent surgical intervention for SSF was performed by cross-referencing the unique patient Community Health Index number for patients who underwent these scaphoid procedures with those seen at VFCs for SSF over this four-year period. Results: In total, 1,739 patients were identified as having had a SSF. Five patients (0.28%) underwent early open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). One patient (0.06%) developed a nonunion and underwent ORIF with bone grafting. All six patients undergoing surgery were male (p = 0.005). The overall rate of intervention following a SSF was 0.35%. The early intervention rate in those undergoing primary MRI was one (0.36%), compared with three in those without (0.27%) (p > 0.576). Conclusion: Surgical intervention was rare following a SSF and was not required in females. A primary MRI policy did not appear to be associated with any change in primary or secondary intervention. These data are the first and largest in recent literature to quantify the prevalence of surgical intervention following a SSF, and may be used to guide surveillance and screening pathways as well as define medicolegal risk involved in missing a true fracture in SSFs.

Long-term outcomes after terminalization for acute fingertip injuries.

The primary aim of this study was to report outcomes after fingertip terminalization in 90 patients over a 19-year period. We report excellent functional outcomes and satisfaction, but a 33% incidence of neuropathic pain.

Round table discussion: the management of idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome.

Idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common neuropathy in the upper limb. Best evidence regarding the surgical management of this condition has evolved from anterior or submuscular transposition as the former reference standard, to in situ simple release. Differences of opinion remain regarding the timing of surgery, type of surgery and adjunctive surgery. Four surgeons with Level 5 expertise were asked to answer specific questions regarding this condition.

Modified Scoring of the QuickDASH Can Achieve Previously-unattained Interval-level Measurement in Dupuytren Disease and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Background: Rasch measurement theory can be used to identify scales within questionnaires and to map responses to more precise continuous scales. The aim of this article was to use RMT to refine the scoring of the QuickDASH in patients with Dupuytren disease and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods: Data were collected between 2013 and 2019 from a single center in the UK. Preoperative QuickDASH responses from patients diagnosed with Dupuytren disease and CTS were used. RMT was used to reduce the number of items in the QuickDASH and examine the reliability and validity of each subscale. Results: The preoperative QuickDASH responses of 750 patients with Dupuytren disease and 1916 patients with CTS were used. The median age of participants was 61 years, and 46% were men. Exploratory factor analysis suggested two distinct subscales within the QuickDASH: task items 1-6 and symptom items 9-11. These items were fitted to the Rasch model, and disordered response thresholds were collapsed. In Dupuytren disease, the two worst responses or each item were disordered. After collapsing these options, good Rasch model fit was demonstrated. CTS responses fitted without modification. Item targeting was more appropriate for CTS than Dupuytren disease. Conclusions: This study proposes a modification to the scoring system for the QuickDASH that provides high-quality, continuous, and condition-specific scales for the QuickDASH. The identification of distinct subscales within the QuickDASH can be used to identify distinct improvements in hand function and/or symptoms in previous, current, and future work.

Should 6- or 12-month outcomes be used after carpal tunnel decompression?

Preoperative and 6- and 12-month postoperative Quick version of the Disablities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) scores for 336 patients undergoing carpal tunnel decompression were 43.2, 18.2 and 15.9, respectively. There was no significant improvement in QuickDASH between 6 and 12 months. Postoperative scores should not be collected at both end points.

Improving the structural validity of the QuickDASH questionnaire: Exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling in 1798 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. BACKGROUND: The QuickDASH is a commonly used questionnaire for the assessment of carpal tunnel patients, although it is unclear whether the questionnaire has suitable structural validity PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the structural validity of the QuickDASH patient-reported outcome measure (PROM), when used in CTS, through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM). METHODS: Between 2013 and 2019, we recorded preoperative QuickDASH scores of 1916 patients undergoing carpal tunnel decompressions at a single unit. One hundred and eighteen patients with incomplete datasets were excluded leaving a final study group of 1798 patients with complete data. EFA was undertaken using the R statistical computing environment. We then conducted SEM in a random sample of 200 patients. Model fit was assessed using the chi-square (χ2) test, comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) and standardized root mean square residuals (SRMR). A second "validation" SEM analysis was undertaken by repeating the analysis with a separate sample of 200 randomly-selected patients. RESULTS: EFA revealed a 2-factor model: items 1-6 represented the first factor ("function") and items 9-11 measured a different factor ("symptoms"). SEM demonstrated excellent fit (χ2 p value 0.167, CFI 0.999, TLI 0.999, RMSEA 0.032, SRMR 0.046) and this was supported in our "validation" sample. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the QuickDASH PROM measures 2 distinct factors in CTS. This is comparable with the findings of a previous EFA that assessed the full-length Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand PROM in patients with Dupuytren's disease.

The effect of diabetes mellitus on the outcome of surgery for cubital tunnel syndrome.

The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and satisfaction after surgery for cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS). Pre- and 1-year postoperative QuickDASH, normal hand, and satisfaction scores were prospectively collected from 107 patients over a 6-year period. Patients without DM reported a significant QuickDASH improvement after surgery (preoperative 34.1 versus postoperative 20.5; p < 0.001), but patients with DM did not (preoperative 46.5 versus postoperative 43.2; p = 0.554). Postoperative QuickDASH (43.2 versus 20.5) and normal hand (65 versus 80) scores were significantly worse in patients with DM. Satisfaction rates were excellent in both groups (88% versus 82%; p = 0.480). Our study showed that surgery for CuTS did not lead to an improvement in QuickDASH score in patients with DM and consequently patients with DM reported worse postoperative PROMs compared with those without. However, lack of improvement in PROMs does not affect patient satisfaction.Level of evidence: IV.

QuickDASH questionnaire items behave as 2 distinct subscales rather than one scale in Dupuytren's disease.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort BACKGROUND: Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) assess relationships between questionnaire items and the constructs ("factors") measured by a questionnaire. The QuickDASH has not been subjected to these analyses in Dupuytren's disease. PURPOSE: To undertake EFA and SEM to identify the factors measured by the QuickDASH in patients with Dupuytren's disease. METHODS: We identified 750 cases of surgery for Dupuytren's disease at a single center with preoperative QuickDASH scores. We performed EFA on QuickDASH responses in R, using established methodology. Based on the EFA results, we conducted SEM in a training sample of 200 participants. A test SEM analysis was performed in a second, independent sample of 200 participants. RESULTS: EFA suggested a 2-factor model. Items 1-6 measured one factor (we interpreted this as "hand function"), whereas items 9-11 measured a different factor ("hand symptoms"). Items 7 and 8 (social and work activities) did not reflect either of these factors well, and may be influenced by other variables. A structural equation model based on the EFA results, with 2 first-order factors, demonstrated excellent fit in our first SEM sample. This was confirmed with a second independent sample in a test analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The QuickDASH PROM may measure 2 distinct factors in patients with Dupuytren's disease. This aligns with previous analyses of the full-length DASH PROM. Separation of the QuickDASH PROM into 2 sub-scales with distinct scores to measure "hand function" and "hand symptoms" may improve its structural validity in patients with Dupuytren's disease.

Self-Reported Disability Following Surgery for Dupuytren Contracture in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients.

Background: The aims of this study were to investigate the impact of diabetes mellitus on patient-reported functional outcome measures (PROMs) and satisfaction following surgical treatment of Dupuytren contracture. Methods: Preoperative and 1-year postoperative PROMs were collected prospectively over 6 years (2013-2019). Patients completed the QuickDASH score and were asked 'how normal is your hand?', recording responses on a 100-point visual analogue scale. Patient satisfaction was also self-reported. Results: Paired responses were available for 520 hands (478 patients; 72% follow-up rate). There were 62 patients with diabetes (12%). Pre (12.5 vs. 9.1; p = 0.01) and postoperative (11.4 vs. 6.8; p = 0.02) QuickDASH scores were significantly, but not clinically, worse in diabetic patients. Patient satisfaction was high in both groups. A large and significant improvement in self-perceived hand normality was observed in both groups (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in preoperative or change in hand normality between the groups, but the postoperative normal hand score was significantly higher in non-diabetic patients (94 vs. 90; p = 0.02). Conclusion: Our study has demonstrated statistically significantly worse disability in diabetic patients with Dupuytren contracture both pre- and postoperatively, though the observed differences were far below the minimum clinically important difference for the QuickDASH. Both groups reported a large and statistically significant improvement in self-perceived hand normality following surgery. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic).

Virtual management of clinically suspected scaphoid fractures.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to describe the introduction of a virtual pathway for the management of patients with a suspected fracture of the scaphoid, and to report patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and satisfaction following treatment using this service. METHODS: All adult patients who presented with a clinically suspected scaphoid fracture that was not visible on radiographs at the time of presentation during a one-year period were eligible for inclusion in the pathway. Demographic details, findings on examination, and routine four-view radiographs at the time of presentation were collected. All radiographs were reviewed virtually by a single consultant hand surgeon, with patient-initiated follow-up on request. PROMs were assessed at a minimum of one year after presentation and included the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (QuickDASH), the EuroQol five-dimension five-level health questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), the Net Promoter Score (NPS), and return to work. RESULTS: A total of 221 patients were referred to the virtual pathway. Their mean age was 41 years (range 16 to 87) and there were 99 male patients (45%). A total of 189 patients (86%) were discharged with advice and 19 (9%) were recalled for clinical review: seven with an undisplaced scaphoid fracture, six with another fracture of the hand or wrist, two with a scapholunate ligament injury, and four in whom no abnormality was detected. A total of 13 patients (6%) initiated follow-up with the hand service: no fracture or ligament injury was identified in this group. PROMs were available for 179 patients (81%) at a mean follow-up of 19 months (range 13 to 33). The median QuickDASH score was 2.3 (interquartile range (IQR) 0 to 15.9), the median EQ-5D-5L was 0.85 (IQR 0.73 to 1.00), the NPS was 76, and 173 patients (97%) were satisfied with their treatment. There were no documented cases of symptomatic nonunion one year following injury. CONCLUSION: We describe the introduction of a virtual pathway for the management of patients with a suspected scaphoid fracture. We found high levels of patient satisfaction, excellent PROMs, and no detrimental effects in the vast majority of cases. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(6):709-714.

Developing Machine Learning Algorithms to Support Patient-centered, Value-based Carpal Tunnel Decompression Surgery.

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is extremely common and typically treated with carpal tunnel decompression (CTD). Although generally an effective treatment, up to 25% of patients do not experience meaningful benefit. Given the prevalence, this amounts to considerable morbidity and cost without return. Being able to reliably predict which patients would benefit from CTD preoperatively would support more patient-centered and value-based care. Methods: We used registry data from 1916 consecutive patients undergoing CTD for CTS at a regional hand center between 2010 and 2019. Improvement was defined as change exceeding the respective QuickDASH subscale's minimal important change estimate. Predictors included a range of clinical, demographic and patient-reported variables. Data were split into training (75%) and test (25%) sets. A range of machine learning algorithms was developed using the training data and evaluated with the test data. We also used a machine learning technique called chi-squared automatic interaction detection to develop flowcharts that could help clinicians and patients to understand the chances of a patient improving with surgery. Results: The top performing models predicted functional and symptomatic improvement with accuracies of 0.718 (95% confidence interval 0.660, 0.771) and 0.759 (95% confidence interval 0.708, 0.810), respectively. The chi-squared automatic interaction detection flowcharts could provide valuable clinical insights from as little as two preoperative questions. Conclusions: Patient-reported outcome measures and machine learning can support patient-centered and value-based healthcare. Our algorithms can be used for expectation management and to rationalize treatment risks and costs associated with CTD.

Nonresponder bias in hand surgery: analysis of 1945 cases lost to follow-up over a 6-year period.

The primary aim of this study was to identify factors associated with nonresponse to routinely collected patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after hand surgery. The secondary aim was to investigate the impact of nonresponder bias on postoperative PROMs. We identified 4357 patient episodes for which the patients received pre- and 1-year postoperative questionnaires. The response rate was 55%. Univariate and regression analyses were undertaken to determine factors predicting nonresponse. We developed a predictive model for the postoperative Quick version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scores for nonresponders using imputation. Younger age, increasing deprivation, higher comorbidity, worse preoperative QuickDASH scores and unemployment predicted nonresponse. No significant difference in mean postoperative QuickDASH score was observed between the responders, and the scores for the responders combined with the predicted scores for the nonresponders. Preoperative function was the primary predictor of postoperative outcome. These results challenge the dogma that 'loss to follow-up' automatically invalidates the results of a study.Level of evidence: III.