Minimum Detectable Change in Toe Grip Strength of Patients with Femoral Neck Fracture

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to clarify whether there is a difference between operative and non-operative side toe grip strength of patients with femoral neck fractures, and to examine the reliability and the minimum detectable change (MDC) in toe grip strength measurements. [Participants and Methods] Twenty patients with femoral neck fractures had their toe grip strength measured, and the results were analyzed. [Results] There was no significant difference between the operative and non-operative side toe grip strength. Bland Altman analysis revealed no systematic error. The MDC was 2.1 kg on the operative side and 1.3 kg on the non-operative side.[Conclusion] If the change in toe grip strength of patients after femoral neck fracture surgery is less than 2.1 kg on the operative side and 1.3 kg on the non-operative side, it may be due to a measurement error.