Algorithm Versus Expert: Machine Learning Versus Surgeon-Predicted Symptom Improvement After Carpal Tunnel Release.

Background And Objectives: Surgeons rely on clinical experience when making predictions about treatment effects. Incorporating algorithm-based predictions of symptom improvement after carpal tunnel release (CTR) could support medical decision-making. However, these algorithm-based predictions need to outperform predictions made by surgeons to add value.

Involvement in a Personal Injury Claim Is Associated With More Pain and Delayed Return to Work After Elective Nonsurgical or Surgical Treatment for Hand or Wrist Disorders: A Propensity Score-matched Comparative Study.

Background: A small proportion of patients treated for a hand or wrist condition are also involved in a personal injury claim that may or may not be related to the reason for seeking treatment. There are already indications that patients involved in a personal injury claim have more severe symptoms preoperatively and worse surgical outcomes. However, for nonsurgical treatment, it is unknown whether involvement in a personal injury claim affects treatment outcomes.

Predictors of wrist function and health status after operative treatment of fractures of the distal radius.

Purpose: To identify the most important determinants of physician-based and patient-based scoring systems for the wrist and upper extremity after operative treatment of a fracture of the distal radius, with the hypothesis that pain is the strongest determinant of both types of scores.

Methods: Eighty-four patients were evaluated a minimum of 6 months after operative fixation of an unstable distal radius fracture using 2 physician-based evaluation instruments (the Mayo Wrist Score and the Gartland and Werley Score) and an upper extremity-specific health status questionnaire (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; DASH). Multivariate analysis of variance and multiple linear regression modeling were used to identify the degree to which various factors affect variability in the scores derived with these measures.