Does restricted wrist motion influence the disability of the upper limb?

The purpose of this study was to correlate wrist motion (ROM) and disability of the upper limb. A total number of 205 patients who had undergone various wrist operations were included in this study, in which the range of motion of the wrist was correlated with the DASH (disability of arm, shoulder and hand) score. There was a significant correlation between the DASH score and the ROM of the wrist, but the correlation was rather weak (r = 0.24). Inclusion of patients with wrist arthrodesis resulted in a stronger correlation. Preservation of some ROM of the wrist is worthwhile. Evaluation of corporeal damage should be adapted in a more functional way.