This study demonstrates a significant correlation
between the American Knee Society (AKS) Clinical Rating System and
the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and provides a validated prediction
tool to estimate score conversion. A total of 1022 patients were prospectively clinically assessed
five years after TKR and completed AKS assessments and an OKS questionnaire.
Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated significant correlations between
OKS and the AKS knee and function scores but a stronger correlation
(r = 0.68, p <
0.001) when using the sum of the AKS knee and
function scores. Addition of body mass index and age (other statistically
significant predictors of OKS) to the algorithm did not significantly
increase the predictive value. The simple regression model was used to predict the OKS in a
group of 236 patients who were clinically assessed nine to ten years
after TKR using the AKS system. The predicted OKS was compared with
actual OKS in the second group. Intra-class correlation demonstrated
excellent reliability (r = 0.81, 95% confidence intervals 0.75 to
0.85) for the combined knee and function score when used to predict
OKS. Our findings will facilitate comparison of outcome data from
studies and registries using either the OKS or the AKS scores and
may also be of value for those undertaking meta-analyses and systematic
reviews. Cite this article: