Which hand outcome measurement is best for Turkish speaking patients?

Abstract

In determining treatment outcomes of the hand, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) and Milliken Activities of Daily Living Scale (MAS) questionnaires are the most commonly used. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relations, strengths and weaknesses of these questionnaires and determine the most appropriate outcome measure for the Turkish population. The study included 74 patients with various types of hand injuries. Patients filled out the DASH-Turkish, MHQ and MAS questionnaires. Grip strength and pain intensity were also assessed. MAS parameters were well-correlated with DASH-Turkish and grip strength (p<0.05). MHQ was correlated with all other outcomes except the left hand part. The DASH, MHQ and MAS questionnaires are culturally compatible with the Turkish population and have revealed a good correlation. These results suggest that these outcome instruments can be used in the assessment of hand and wrist surgery outcomes in the Turkish population.