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Researchers urge finding methods to assess knee pain and function
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BERLIN — Significant variance seen in Knee Society Scores for primary total knee arthroplasty has called into question the score’s utility to assess pain and function, according to a recent study presented at the 13th EFORT Congress 2012, here.
The Knee Society Score (KSS) knee and function scores reported in the analysis presented ranged from 42 points to 44 points in 4,170 patients among 37 studies and 71 study groups, according to the abstract. Patient differences between scores were evident in various hospitals, countries and cultures. The difference in overall preoperative measurements exceeded 40 points, nearly covering half of the 100-point scale and some preoperative measurements of knee function could be considered a fair outcome, investigators noted.
 Rachel Senden |
“I think that we should consider alternative methods for the best outcome of patients,” such as the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score or KOOS and a new Knee Society score, Rachel Senden, PhD, of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology at Atrium Medical Center in Heerlen, Netherlands, said in her presentation.
Another alternative, she said, is performing objective inertia-based motion analysis tests, which would analyze function without requiring patient input.
“I think they will become increasingly necessary for outcome assessment in clinical studies,” Senden said.
Reference:
- Senden R, Heyligers I, Grimm B. Poor reproducibility of the Knee Society Scores challenges its value for clinical follow-up and comparative studies. Paper #12-2831. Presented at the 13th EFORT Congress 2012. May 23-25. Berlin.
- Disclosure: Senden has no relevant financial disclosures. Heyligers and Grimm received grant/research support from Biomet and Stryker and are consultants for Biomet and Stryker.