The relationship between QDASH scale and clinical, electrophysiological findings in carpal tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs as a result of compression of the median nerve at the wrist. The Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire is a selfadministered region-specific outcome instrument which measures symptom severity and functional status.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and electrophysiological relationship with QDASH scale in CTS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 99 females and 22 males in total out of 121 idiopathic CTS patients with the mean age of 47.9 ±9.5 years. Patients were divided clinically and electrophysiologically into 2 groups as severe and mild based on modified criteria defined by Italian CTS working group. Pain severity was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS). Patients were evaluated functionally by QDASH scale and the relationship between clinical and electrophysiological effect intensity (degree) was examined.

RESULTS

QDASH scores were found significantly high in female patients, in patients with long disease duration (6 years and more), patients with clinically severe symptoms, and the ones with positive phalen test in both hands. Statistically significant positive relationship was found between QDASH scores, disease duration and clinical severity. However, no relationship was found between electrophysiological severity and QDASH. A mild and positive correlation was observed among disease duration, clinical severity and VAS. A small and positive correlation was detected between VAS and QDASH.

CONCLUSIONS

Although electrophysiological findings were prioritized in the follow-up and treatment strategies of CTS patients, clinical and patient-oriented assessment scales should be dealt together. Despite the electrophysiological findings, we believe that individual differences are effective in clinical and functional capacity. We conclude that since QDASH scale has a simple applicability in a short time, it can be used for assessing the symptom severity and disability of patients with CTS.