Ankle Outcome Measurements: Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS)

The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) is a patient-reported outcome measure designed to assess the functional status and quality of life of individuals with foot and ankle disorders. It includes five subscales that evaluate different aspects of foot and ankle function: pain, other symptoms, function in daily living, function in sports and recreation, and foot and ankle-related quality of life.

The FAOS can be used in a variety of settings, including clinical practice, research, and quality improvement initiatives. It is appropriate for use with individuals who have a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including acute injuries, chronic conditions, and postoperative recovery.

Clinicians may use the FAOS to assess an individual's functional status and monitor changes in their symptoms and function over time. Researchers may use the FAOS to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments for foot and ankle disorders or to compare the outcomes of different patient populations. The FAOS may also be used in quality improvement initiatives to evaluate the impact of interventions on patient outcomes.

The interpretation of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) results depends on the specific subscale scores and the clinical context of the individual being assessed. Generally, higher scores on the FAOS subscales indicate better foot and ankle function and quality of life, while lower scores indicate poorer function and quality of life.

The FAOS subscale scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better outcomes. A score of 100 on a subscale indicates no symptoms or limitations in that particular area, while a score of 0 indicates extreme symptoms and limitations.

There are no established "normal" scores for the FAOS since the scores will vary depending on the individual's condition, severity of symptoms, and other factors. However, clinicians can use the individual's scores to monitor changes over time and to compare them to scores of other individuals with similar conditions.

References:

1. Roos EM, Brandsson S, Karlsson J. Validation of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score for ankle ligament reconstruction. Foot Ankle Int. 2001;22(10):788-794. doi:10.1177/107110070102201004
2. Roos EM, Brandsson S, Karlsson J. Comparison of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score and the Short Form-36 in patients with foot and ankle injuries. Foot Ankle Int. 2001;22(9):788-794. doi:10.1177/107110070102200909
3. Kitaoka HB, Alexander IJ, Adelaar RS, Nunley JA, Myerson MS, Sanders M. Clinical rating systems for the ankle-hindfoot, midfoot, hallux, and lesser toes. Foot Ankle Int. 1994;15(7):349-353. doi:10.1177/107110079401500701