Use of the ICF conceptual framework to interpret hand function outcomes following tendon transfer surgery for tetraplegia.
METHODS
Clinical commentary


OBJECTIVE
This paper is a clinical commentary based on the Round Table discussion on Assessment and Outcomes at the 7th International Conference on Tetraplegia: Surgery and Rehabilitation, Bologna, Italy 6-8 June, 2001. It refers specifically to the 10-year re-review undertaken in 2001 at the Spinal Unit, Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand.


METHODS
In all, 24 tetraplegic persons at a minimum of 12 years and up to 18 years following bilateral forearm tendon transfer surgery.


METHODS
The data were interpreted using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) conceptual framework as the basis of interdisciplinary understanding of the participation dimension.


RESULTS
The results of the study outlined confirm that outcome measurement at more than one level of functioning is desirable to determine the functional effects beyond grip strength levels and activities of daily living, to consider the dimension of participation.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of the ICF as a theoretical framework for interpretation of the results enhanced the clinical applicability of the outcome measures used in the 10-year re-review undertaken in New Zealand in 2001.
Sinnott
K A
KA
Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit, Wellington School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Otago, New Zealand.
Dunn
J A
JA
Rothwell
A G
AG
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000145:classification*; D006225:Hand / Q000601:surgery; D018737:Hand Strength; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D038801:International Classification of Diseases; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000601:surgery*; D013709:Tendon Transfer; D016896:Treatment Outcome