Clinical commentary in response to: Prognosis and prognostic factors for patients with persistent wrist pain Who proceed to wrist arthroscopy

摘要

The authors were interested in identifying the prognosis and prognostic factors in patients with persistent wrist pain who underwent arthroscopic examination. No previous study reported on the prognosis of patients with persistent wrist pain who proceed to arthroscopic investigation of ongoing wrist pain. By definition, a prognosis is "a broad statement that predicts a patient's likely status or degree of change, at some time in the future."1 This can provide the therapist with an "informed supposition" regarding the patient's outcome status, likely response to the intervention, and duration of the treatment. Prognostic factors may influence the likelihood of outcome and may include a wide variety of demographic traits, disease specific factors, or co-morbid conditions.1 The authors hoped that if important prognostic factors were identified, they may help guide clinical practice.