Background:The aim was to determine the threshold Quick Disabilities of the Arm,
Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score that estimates a diagnosis of major
depression in patients with fingertip injuries in American and Dutch
patients.Methods:In this observational cross-sectional study, 112 patients with a recent
fingertip injury measured symptoms of depression with the Patient Health
Questionnaire and upper extremity disability with the QuickDASH.Results:In the US cohort, 8 of 56 patients had an estimated diagnosis of major
depression. A threshold value of QuickDASH of 50 showed a sensitivity of 88%
and a specificity of 81%, with a negative predicting value (NPV) of 95% for
an estimated diagnosis of major depression. In the Dutch cohort, 7 of 56
patients had an estimated diagnosis of major depression. The same threshold
score of 50 had a sensitivity of 71%, a specificity of 63%, and an NPV of
94%.Conclusions:We have found a correlation between experienced loss of function and an
estimated diagnosis of major depression in patients with a fingertip injury.
Referral to the primary care physician for further evaluation of depression
in these patients is advised.