Patients with benign hand tumors are indicated for surgery according to patient-rated outcome measures

Abstract

Introduction: This study assessed the treatment outcomes of upper extremity benign tumors using the patient-rated outcome measures of Hand20 questionnaire.

Methods: In total, 304 patients who underwent surgery for benign bone and soft tissue tumors of the upper limb were included. Tumors were classified into three size groups: <1 cm, 1-3 cm, and >3 cm. Tumors were divided with respect to location: digit, hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, upper arm, or axilla. We prospectively assessed responses to the Hand20 questionnaire that was administered both before and after surgery.

Results: The mean Hand20 and pain scores significantly improved after surgery in patients with ganglion cysts, giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath, enchondromas, or pyogenic granulomas. For patients with hemangiomas, schwannomas, or glomus tumors, although the mean pain scores improved significantly following surgery, there were no significant changes in the mean Hand20 scores. However, the statistical power for this analysis was low. The mean Hand20 and pain scores improved significantly, regardless of the size grouping. The mean Hand20 scores significantly improved after surgery in patients with finger, thumb, hand, or wrist tumors. Except for elbow to axillary tumors, the mean pain scores significantly improved in all patients.

Conclusion: The results of Hand20 and pain scores suggest that most patients with benign hand tumors are indicated for surgery, but the degree of improvement differs according to tumor pathology and location but not size.

Keywords: Benign hand tumor; Hand20; Patient-reported outcome measures; Surgery indication.