PLEASE NOTE:
The Knee Society rating system (KSS) was first published in CORR in 1989 and
has become the standard clinical evaluation system for reporting results
for patients undergoing Total Knee Replacement. The KSS Task Force, composed
of Gil Scuderi, MD-Chair; Jim Benjamin, MD; Jess
Lonner, MD; Bob Bourne, MD and Norm Scott, MD, completed
the objective score in 2007, and currently the functional score is in development
with the assistance of Dr. Phil Noble and Dr. Michael Conditt. Following
their data analysis, the Task Force plans to have an objective and functional
score that is validated and compatible with the prior version of the Knee
Society Knee Score. The projected completion date is December 2008.
ALTERNATIVE RESOURCES:
The International Cartilage Repair Society is offering a fee-based “SOCRATES” software program that will calculate KSS scores. See details
at:
http://www.cartilage.org/_files/contentmanagement/Socratesweb.pdf
Online IKDC Scoring Worksheet
Musculoskeletal Function Assessment Injury and Arthritis Survey (SMFA)
Introduction |
|
|
|
| The Knee Society System was a logical outgrowth of the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Rating system of the 1970's. The HSS system, although widely used, combined an evaluation of both the operated knee and the patient's general function in one score. This at times was problematic. If a patient had no pain and excellent range of motion, however could not walk because of arthritis in the other leg, or from a chronic medical problem, the total score was artificially low. |
|
The Knee Society System separates findings in the operated knee with findings in the patient's function. As such the Knee Score is not artificially affected by comorbid conditions. The Knee Score consists of points given for pain, range of motion, and stability in both the coronal and sagittal planes, with deductions for fixed deformity, and extensor lag. The Function Score consists of points given for the ability to walk on level surfaces, and the ability to ascend and descend stairs, with deductions for the use of external supporting devices. |
|
The Knee Society Score is usually reported as the two scores, Knee Score and Function Score, rather than a summation score. There is, as well, a Knee Society Radiographic Evaluation system, however discrete points are not given for individual parameters on X Rays. |
|
Richard S. Laskin, MD |
Outcomes Tools
The Knee Society recognizes the important role of evidence based practice. The Society provides several tools to allow both clinicians and researchers to evaluate and document the effectiveness of surgical and non-surgical interventions for conditions of the knee.
The Knee Society welcomes your professional comments and suggestions on this work in progress.
Web Resources:
Rationale of The Knee Society Clinical Rating System
This article originally appeared in Clinical Orthopaedics 1989 Nov;(248):13-14. PMID: 2805470. It provides a discussion of why and how the rating system was developed.
(Used with permission by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.)
The Knee Society Total Knee Arthroplasty Roentgenographic Evaluation and Scoring System
This article originally appeared in Clinical Orthopaedics. 1989 Nov;(248):9-12. PMID: 2805502. It provides a discussion on the development of the Knee Society system for the objective evaluation of postoperative artificial knee replacement x-rays.
(Used with permission by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.)
Instructions for Using the Knee Society Radiographic Evaluation Form
This web page and accompanying document provides detailed instructions on how to use the Knee Society Roentenographic Evaluation and Scoring System.
Outcomes Instruments:
For more information on other outcomes instruments for use in orthopaedic surgery, this web page provides a set of links to pertinent instruments available on the Internet.
Downloadable Tools:
Radiological Evaluation Form (.pdf)
This form originally appeared in Clinical Orthopaedics. 1989 Nov;(248):9-12. PMID: 2805502. It provides an example of the form suggested by the Knee Society for the evaluation of postoperative artificial knee replacement x-rays.
(Used with permission by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.)
Related Resources:
For more information on the current state of outcomes determination in general in orthopaedic surgery, this web page provides a set of links to pertinent information available on the Internet.
This feature was developed by the
Knee Society Research Committee
in cooperation with:
Medical Multimedia
Group
Funding is provided by the
Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation