Abstract

Trapezectomy and ligament reconstruction tendon interposition- 15 year follow updo DASH scores correlate with patient satisfaction

Author(s): Ali Moaaz, Igor Pollicinski & Chris Roberts

Aim: To determine the long term patient disability scores, patient satisfaction and their correlation after trapeziectomy with partial Flexor Carpi Radialis (FCR) tendon transfer and interposition. Method: A cross-sectional analytic study of 182 patients was under taken from 1993 to 2008 of all trapezectomies performed by one surgeon. A participation acceptance letter, consent, a DASH Score and patient satisfaction scale letter were sent to all patients. Medical records were thoroughly reviewed, and data collection was gathered, analyzed and reported. Results: We had a sixty seven percent reply rate, with patients scoring an average DASH of 21.5. Average satisfaction score was 8.78. Patients scoring a DASH score of >40 were also reporting other upper limb pathologies. Conclusion: Satisfaction and disability trends improved with time. High DASH scores did not always correlate with patient satisfaction score. The DASH does not measure patient satisfaction, which is an important, but difficult measure of the clinical outcome.