Patient-perceived outcome after displaced distal radius fractures. A comparison between radiological parameters, objective physical variables, and the DASH score

Outcome after distal radius fractures has traditionally been measured by radiological parameters and objective physical variables. To what extent these measurements reflect outcome as perceived by the patient has been questioned. We evaluated the association between radiological position, objective physical result (grip strength and range of movement), and the patient-perceived outcome, measured with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand outcome (DASH) score, in 78 patients with a healed unilateral distal radius fracture treated with either closed reduction and plaster splint or external fixation. Fifty-seven females and 21 males (median age 59 yr; range, 22-95) were retrospectively assessed after a mean of 22 months and the mean DASH score was 13 points. Linear correlations between final radiological and objective physical measurements and DASH score were weak or insignificant. However, radial shortening > or = 2mm, dorsal angulation >15 degrees, and radial angulation >10 degrees were each significantly associated with a poorer DASH score. Reduced grip strength, extension, and ulnar deviation correlated with a poorer DASH score. In conclusion, we found that better final radiological and objective physical results were associated with a better patient-perceived outcome, as measured by the DASH score, in this patient group.