Challenges in Measuring Outcomes in the Wrist.

Background
Evaluating any new treatment for a wrist condition is difficult because the trueoutcome is difficult to assess. Outcomes are dependent on multiple factors, many of which we are unable to account for or to measure. As a result, there are multiple methods, each evaluating results differently. Furthermore, many of the tests/measures that do exist are tedious to apply and, in an increasingly demanding work environment, are not utilized unless they are used for research.Aim And Purposes
We review some existing outcome tools and the challenges to measuring outcomes in the wrist, as well as discuss a small series using a consensus tool.Materials And Methods
This is a review with a description and series of one method to evaluate outcomes in wrist surgery.Conclusion
Generalized agreement to a collection of patient and condition-specific tools will enable true outcome measurement, accurate comparison, and ultimately standardization and guidelines.Level Of Evidence
Level V.