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Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate patient-reported functional recovery, aesthetic satisfaction, and quality of life following operative and non-operative treatment of DRFs.
Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at AL-Aleem Medical College, Lahore. Data were collected retrospectively and prospectively from June to December 2024. Patients aged 18 and above, with a minimum follow-up of three months, were included. MHQ-U and SF-36-U were used to assess function, pain, aesthetics, and quality of life.
Results: Among 85 eligible patients, the mean MHQ score was 73.17, indicating good hand function, while the SF-36 score was 68.17, reflecting positive health perception. The aesthetic score of 84.45 highlighted high satisfaction with hand appearance. Operatively treated patients showed significantly better functional outcomes, but aesthetic scores did not differ between groups. Age, hand dominance, and education level were key predictors of PROs.
Conclusion: Both treatments provided satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes. Patients generally perceived positive recovery, with surgical treatment offering superior functional improvement. There was high aesthetic satisfaction regardless of treatment type, contributing to an overall improved quality of life.  For a better understanding of the durability of these findings, future studies should include long-term follow-up and cohort analysis.