The QuickDASH score: a patient-reported outcome measure for Dupuytren's surgery

Abstract

Study design: Retrospective Cohort.

Introduction: There is currently no validated patient reported outcome measure (PROM) for Dupuytren's disease. We have performed a retrospective analysis of QuickDASH scores taken before and after surgery for Dupuytren's disease to assess the validity and responsiveness of the QuickDASH and evaluate its suitability to being a PROM for this condition.

Purpose of the study: To determine the eligibility of the QuickDASH score as a Patient Reported Outcome Measure for Dupuytren's disease.

Methods: Patients were identified from the hand therapy database that had surgery performed between January 2006 and April 2008 who had documented pre- and post-operative QuickDASH scores.

Results: 69 patients were identified with complete datasets with a mean change in QuickDASH score of -7.14 (p < 0.001) and an improvement of extension deficit by 68.1 degrees (p < 0.001) at a mean 110 day follow-up. The change in QuickDASH score did not correlate with the change in extension deficit. The effect size was 0.545 and the standardised response mean was 0.580.

Conclusion: The QuickDASH is an acceptable PROM for Dupuytren's surgery with limitations. Further research is needed examining PROMs with this common condition.

Level of evidence: n/a.