Outcome Instruments for Patellofemoral Arthroplasty

Although there are numerous patient outcome instruments available, the most reliable and valid instruments for evaluating patient outcomes after patellofemoral arthroplasty have not been identified. In this article, we review and evaluate the psychometric properties and practical considerations of administering general health instruments (Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Short Form-36 and Short Form-12), knee scales (Knee Society Clinical Rating System, Knee Outcome Survey, International Knee Documentation Committee form, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) and a disease specific scale (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) for patellofemoral arthroplasty outcome assessment. Based on our review of the literature, we recommend the Short Form-36 and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for evaluation of patellofemoral arthroplasty outcomes and provide recommendations for implementation of these instruments in a clinical setting.