Patient expectations predict outcomes following distal radius fracture: a prospective cohort study using the TEFTOM questionnaire

•Patient expectations independently predict outcomes up to twelve months following distal radius fracture.•Patient satisfaction is correlated with absolute functional and quality of life outcomes, rather than degree of expectations fulfillment.•Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are subject to psychological status and patient attitudes and patient expectations may play a confounding role in research involving PROMs as well as a moderating role in rehabilitation success.