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Lookup NU author(s): Elizabeth Lingard
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We used prospective data from 862 total knee and 716 total hip replacements three years after surgery in order to derive and validate a reduced Western Ontario and McMasters University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) function scale. The reduced scale was derived using the advice of clinical experts as well as analysis of data. The scale was tested for validity, reliability and responsiveness. Items which were retained included: ascending stairs, rising from sitting, walking on the flat, getting in or out of a car, putting on socks, rising from bed, and sitting. The reduced and full scales had comparable, moderate correlations with other measures of function, confirming convergent validity. Cronbach's alpha was high (α > 0.85) with the reduced scale confirming reliability. Responsiveness was greater for the reduced scale (full = 1.4, reduced = 1.6). This reduced version of the WOMAC function scale provides a practical, valid, reliable and responsive alternative to the full function scale for use after total joint replacement. Further work is needed to demonstrate its wider applicability.
Author(s): Whitehouse SL, Lingard EA, Katz JN, Learmonth ID
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery - Series B
Year: 2003
Volume: 85
Issue: 5
Pages: 706-711
Print publication date: 01/07/2003
ISSN (print): 0301-620X
ISSN (electronic): 2044-5377
Publisher: British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint Surgery
PubMed id: 12892194