Outcome after Colles fracture: the relative responsiveness of three questionnaires and physical examination measures.

Clinical evaluation of outcome after Colles fracture has not been standardized. To assess the relative responsiveness of various clinical and questionnaire measures for the assessment of outcome after Colles fracture, 21 patients were surveyed on the day fracture immobilization was discontinued and again 3 months after that date with the following measures: a short form general health survey (SF-36), the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale (AIMS2), the Brigham and Women's Hospital carpal tunnel questionnaire; pinch strength, grip strength, pressure sensibility, range of motion, and dexterity. Significant changes, all in the direction of improved health status, occurred in the following scales or measures: AIMS2 mobility, hand and finger function, arm function, household tasks, "arthritis" (fracture) pain, self-care, satisfaction, physical health, affect, and tension; Brigham function; SF-36 physical role and mental health; and grip, pinch, dexterity, and range of motion. The impairments that occur after Colles fracture are multidimensional and are only partially captured by traditional physical measures. Questionnaires such as the SF-36, AIMS2, and Brigham and Women's instruments provide a mechanism to capture the function and symptom dimensions objectively.