We measured key pinch strength with a pinch gauge (Allenspach
Medical AG, Balsthal, Switzerland) in a standardized sitting
position (Fess and Moran, 1981). To record any symptoms or
dysfunction of the upper limb, patients completed the quick
Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (quickDASH) questionnaire,
consisting of 11 items (Gummesson et al., 2006; Offenbacher
et al., 2003). Its total score ranges from 0 to 100, with lower values
indicating better function.