Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to determine whether involvement of the dominant limb affects Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores.
Methods
A convenience sample of 948 patients from 12 prospective studies that recorded hand dominance, affected side, diagnosis, and a DASH or QuickDASH score was used to assess the influence of involvement of the dominant limb on DASH scores. Diagnosis was categorized as traumatic and nontraumatic. Region was categorized as hand and wrist, elbow, and arm and shoulder.
Results
In bivariate analysis, involvement of the dominant limb, diagnosis, region, and sex had significant influence on DASH/QuickDASH score. In multivariable analysis, dominant hand condition, traumatic diagnosis, arm and shoulder involvement, and female sex were associated with significantly higher DASH scores (more disability), but accounted for only 10 % of the variability in scores.
Conclusion
Upper extremity disability as measured by the DASH is slightly, but significantly greater when the dominant limb is involved.
Level of evidence: Prognostic level II
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