Significance of cold intolerance in upper extremity disorders.
After upper extremity injury, pain on exposure to cold (cold sensitivity) is a significant problem. This cross-sectional observational study (1) assesses the incidence and prevalence of cold intolerance, (2) evaluates the relationship between functional status and degree of cold intolerance, and (3) correlates health-related quality of life (HRQL) with symptoms of cold intolerance. Patients in a tertiary care center completed questionnaires to document (1) cold sensitivity, (2) upper extremity pain, symptoms, and function, and (3) HRQL. Cold sensitivity was found to be associated with more functional limitations, greater pain, and reduced HRQL. As the severity of cold intolerance increased, functional limitations and pain increased and HRQL decreased. Cold intolerance has a profound effect on HRQL.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1070, USA.
L A
LA
Koman
S A
SA
Slone
B P
BP
Smith
D S
DS
Ruch
G G
GG
Poehling
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D013697:Thermosensing / Q000502:physiology