A new model instrument for outcome after nerve repair.

The Model instrument for outcome after nerve repair has so far proved valid and reliable. It supports the authors' hypothesis that the summary of specific limitations of body function agrees with patients' opinions on the impact of the nerve injury on ADL. These features together with its flexibility make the Model instrument for outcome after nerve repair a psychometrically sound and clinically useful diagnosis-specific outcome instrument for routine evaluation after nerve repair. An optimal choice in the future when assessing the outcome after nerve repair may be a combined use of this model and a more generic outcome instrument. Such a protocol would take into account specific body functions and well being in a wider perspective.