Stenosing flexor tenosynovitis: Validity of standard assessment tools of daily functioning and quality of life.

STUDY

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

INTRODUCTION

Stenosing flexor tenosynovitis (SFT) is a common hand disease, yet there is a lack of valid standard assessments for this population.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Validation of assessment for the evaluation of disability and quality of life related to SFT clinical severity.

METHODS

Sixty five participants with SFT were matched to 71 controls. Participant's symptoms were graded using the Quinnell classification. Disability and quality of life were evaluated using the DASH and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires.

RESULTS

Small to moderate correlations were found between SFT grade and the DASH and WHOQOL-BREF. Both questionnaires differentiated between the first and third clinical grades and between SFT and healthy groups.

DISCUSSION: Both questionnaires are useful tools to distinguish between participants with SFT and controls and between mild and severe clinical grades.

CONCLUSION

The DASH and WHOQOL-BREF may be implemented in the clinical management and research of SFT.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic III.