Challenges in Measuring Outcomes in the Wrist.

BACKGROUND

Evaluating any new treatment for a wrist condition is difficult because the trueoutcome is difficult to assess. Outcomes are dependent on multiple factors, many of which we are unable to account for or to measure. As a result, there are multiple methods, each evaluating results differently. Furthermore, many of the tests/measures that do exist are tedious to apply and, in an increasingly demanding work environment, are not utilized unless they are used for research.

AIM AND PURPOSES: We review some existing outcome tools and the challenges to measuring outcomes in the wrist, as well as discuss a small series using a consensus tool.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This is a review with a description and series of one method to evaluate outcomes in wrist surgery.

CONCLUSION

Generalized agreement to a collection of patient and condition-specific tools will enable true outcome measurement, accurate comparison, and ultimately standardization and guidelines.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.