Activity limitations and compensatory mechanism use following limited wrist fusion

Objective. To document the activity limitations experienced by patients who had undergone a 4-corner wrist fusion, and the compensatory mechanisms they use in daily life. Methods. Patients completed 2 copies of the Adelaide Questionnaire, a measure with a standardized section and an individualized section. The test-retest reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated. Results. Twenty-five patients were recruited to the study, and 21 completed both questionnaires. Excellent test-retest reliability was gained for both the standardized and individualized sections of the Adelaide Questionnaire. Conclusion. Patients with 4-corner wrist fusions report activity limitations following surgery, particularly with daily tasks that involve hand/forearm rotation and grip strength. Various compensatory mechanisms are used by the majority of patients. The impact of these mechanisms on activity limitations varies between patients, but often decreases impact of the activity limitations on everyday life.