Our Summary

This study focused on translating, adapting and validating an Italian version of the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ), a standardized assessment for hand disorders. The process included a two-step translation from English to Italian (back-and-forth) to ensure accuracy, and testing the translated questionnaire on 136 Italian patients with hand disorders. This was supplemented with other measurement tools like the DASH questionnaire, a pain assessment scale, and grip strength tests. To check the consistency of the questionnaire, it was repeated on 55 patients after a week. The results showed that the Italian version of the MHQ is clear, easy to understand, highly reliable and reproducible. It also showed a good correlation with the other measurement tools used. In simple terms, the study was successful in creating an Italian version of the MHQ which can be reliably used for diagnosing and assessing hand disorders.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of translating the Michigan Hand Questionnaire into Italian?
  2. How was the accuracy of the translated questionnaire tested?
  3. What other measurement tools were used alongside the Italian version of the MHQ in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

After hand surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for proper post-operative care. This may include keeping the hand elevated, completing prescribed physical therapy exercises, and avoiding activities that could potentially harm the surgical site. Be sure to communicate any changes in symptoms or concerns with your doctor to ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients with hand disorders such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, fractures, nerve injuries, and other conditions that affect the function and movement of the hand are typically recommended for hand surgery. These patients may experience pain, stiffness, weakness, numbness, tingling, and difficulty performing everyday tasks with their hands. Hand surgery can help improve hand function, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life for these patients.

Timeline

Before hand surgery:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as pain, stiffness, weakness, or limited range of motion in the hand.
  2. Patient consults with a hand surgeon to discuss treatment options and determine if surgery is necessary.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments and tests to evaluate the severity of the hand disorder and overall health.
  4. Surgery is scheduled and patient receives pre-operative instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.

After hand surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes hand surgery to address the underlying issue, whether it be for fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or other hand disorders.
  2. Patient is monitored closely post-operatively for any complications or adverse reactions.
  3. Patient undergoes physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength, mobility, and function in the hand.
  4. Patient follows up with the hand surgeon for post-operative appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns.
  5. Patient completes assessments like the Italian version of the Michigan Hand Questionnaire to evaluate the outcomes of the surgery and overall hand function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about hand surgery may include:

  1. What specific type of hand surgery do I need and why?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected outcome of the surgery and what is the recovery process like?
  4. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  5. How long will it take for me to regain full use of my hand after the surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or non-surgical options available for my condition?
  7. How experienced are you in performing this type of hand surgery?
  8. What is the success rate of this type of surgery for patients with similar conditions?
  9. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  10. What can I do to prepare for the surgery and optimize my recovery outcome?

Reference

Authors: Passiatore M, De Vitis R, Cilli V, Milano G, Saccomanno MF, Cotroneo C, Brozzini E, Vigliarolo D, Taccardo G. Journal: J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2021 Dec;26(4):666-683. doi: 10.1142/S242483552150065X. PMID: 34789093