Responsiveness of the Japanese version of the patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE-J) and physical impairment measurements in evaluating recovery after treatment of ulnocarpal abutment syndrome

Abstract

BackgroundWe evaluated the responsiveness of patient-derived questionnaires and physical findings in evaluating recovery after treatment of ulnocarpal abutment syndrome. MethodsPatients were assessed at their initial visit to our clinic and again 3months after the treatment. At each visit, patients completed a Short Form-36, the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand version of Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH-JSSH), and the Japanese version of patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE-J). Grip strength, range of motion, and visual analogue scale for wrist pain were also examined at each visit. Satisfaction with treatment was questioned after 3months using a Likert scale. Standardized response means (SRM) and effect sizes were calculated to evaluate the responsiveness. ResultsThe PRWE-J (SRM, 1.35) was the most responsive questionnaire, followed by the DASH-JSSH (SRM, 0.81) and the Short Form-36 (SRM, −0.38 to −1.19). Of the physical tests, grip strength (SRM, 0.81) was more responsive than range of motion (SRM, 0.01 to −0.29). The visual analogue pain scale (SRM, 1.56) was highly responsive. Changes in the PRWE score were correlated with the satisfaction rating for the treatment. ConclusionsResponsive patient-derived scales can assist in the outcome evaluation of patients with ulnocarpal abutment syndrome.