Background: The statistical concept of minimal clinically important difference (MCID) enables the interpretation of small but meaningful changes that result from an intervention. This retrospective study aimed to examine the factors that influence the achievement of MCID after a distal radius fracture.
Methods: A total of 45 patients (mean age: 54.2 ± 16 years) were included. Of these, 27 patients started rehabilitation within 3 days of surgery (Early group), and 18 patients underwent immobilization for 2 weeks after surgery, before starting rehabilitation (Non-early group). Functional outcomes and DASH scores at 4 weeks (baseline) were compared with those measured at 8 and 12 weeks for both groups, to determine whether the MCID had been achieved.
Results: Our results showed that at 8 weeks after surgery in the early group, the grip strength, ulnar flexion, and baseline DASH score were significantly different between the groups that did and did not show an MCID (p < 0.05). There was also a significant difference in the baseline DASH score at 12 weeks after surgery (p < 0.05). None of these factors were significant in the non-early group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the DASH score at 4 weeks (baseline) was an independent predictor for achieving a DASH MCID at 8 weeks postoperatively in the early group (odds ratio: 1.193). Those achieving a DASH MCID at 12 weeks postoperatively were completely separated by the baseline DASH score (≥ 29 points).
Conclusions: If it is assumed that the effectiveness of rehabilitation depends upon achieving the DASH MCID by promoting functional recovery, early initiation might be recommended.