Orthopedics

DASH Score (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder & Hand)

Measures upper extremity musculoskeletal disability and functional impairment.

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1. Open a tight or new jar*

2. Write*

3. Turn a key*

4. Prepare a meal*

5. Push open a heavy door*

6. Place an object on a shelf above your head*

7. Do heavy household chores (wash walls/floors)*

8. Garden or do yard work*

9. Make a bed*

10. Carry a shopping bag or briefcase*

11. Carry a heavy object (over 10 lbs)*

12. Change a lightbulb overhead*

13. Wash or blow dry your hair*

14. Wash your back*

15. Put on a pullover sweater*

16. Use a knife to cut food*

17. Recreational activities with little effort (cards, knitting)*

18. Recreational activities with free arm move (golf, tennis)*

19. Recreational activities with impact force (hammer, gym)*

20. Manage transportation needs*

21. Sexual activities*

22. Interfered with normal social activities*

23. Limited in regular daily work or activities*

24. Arm, shoulder or hand pain severity*

25. Pain when performing specific activity*

26. Tingling (pins and needles) in arm/hand*

27. Weakness in your arm, shoulder or hand*

28. Stiffness in your arm, shoulder or hand*

29. Difficulty sleeping because of arm pain*

30. Feel less capable or self-conscious*

Formula

DASH Score = [ (Sum of 30 item scores / 30) - 1 ] × 25
(Scale: 0 = No disability to 100 = Maximum disability)

The universally recognized clinical outcome metric for rotator cuff tears, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, wrist fractures, and hand arthritis.

The Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) is approximately 10 to 15 points.