Does the Oxford Knee Score complement, concur, or contradict the American Knee Society Score?

Abstract

The American Knee Society Score (AKSS) and the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) are commonly used outcome assessment tools following total knee arthroplasty. The literature is sparse with regard to direct correlation between the AKSS and the OKS. The present study aimed to elucidate any direct correlation between these two scoring systems. Preoperative and 1-year postoperative AKSS and OKS from 379 patients were analyzed statistically. Regression equations were developed based on curve fit models. The study found a good correlation between the two scoring systems. The OKS can be used as a screening tool to identify which patients need to be assessed clinically in the short term (<2 years) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This will have significant cost-benefit implications. It is also possible to predict the AKSS from OKS using mathematical equations developed for this study. This method of predicting the AKSS from the OKS has not previously been described.