Knee Outcome Measurements: Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale

The Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale is a patient-reported outcome measure used to evaluate the functional status of the knee joint. It was developed by Dr. Lars Lysholm in 1982 and has since been widely used in clinical practice and research. The Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale consists of eight questions that assess a patient's knee function related to pain, swelling, giving way, locking, limping, stair climbing, squatting, and support. Each question is scored on a scale from 0 to 10, with a total possible score of 100.

The Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale is used to evaluate patients with various knee conditions, including ligament injuries, meniscus tears, patellar instability, and osteoarthritis. It is often used as part of a comprehensive assessment that includes a physical examination and other imaging studies.

The interpretation of the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale results depends on the total score achieved by the patient. A higher score indicates better knee function, whereas a lower score indicates poorer knee function. Here is a general guide for interpreting the scores:

• 95-100 points: Excellent knee function
• 84-94 points: Good knee function
• 65-83 points: Fair knee function
• < 65 points: Poor knee function

However, it is important to note that the interpretation of the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale results should be done in the context of the patient's individual situation and the specific knee condition being evaluated. For example, a patient who has undergone knee surgery may have a lower score immediately after the procedure but may gradually improve over time.

In addition, a change of at least 10-15 points is considered to be clinically significant, indicating a meaningful improvement or deterioration in knee function. It is also worth noting that there is no strict cutoff for what is considered "normal" on the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, as the normal range can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, and activity level. However, in general, scores above 84 points are considered good to excellent, whereas scores below 65 points indicate a need for further evaluation and intervention.

References:

1. Lysholm J, Gillquist J. Evaluation of knee ligament surgery results with special emphasis on use of a scoring scale. American journal of sports medicine. 1982 Sep;10(3):150-4.
2. Irrgang JJ, Anderson AF, Boland AL, Harner CD, Kurosaka M, Neyret P, Richmond JC, Shelborne KD. Development and validation of the international knee documentation committee subjective knee form. The American journal of sports medicine. 2001 Mar;29(5):600-13.
3. Irrgang JJ, Snyder-Mackler L, Wainner RS, Fu FH, Harner CD. Development of a patient-reported measure of function of the knee. Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume. 1998 Oct 1;80(10):1132-45.
4. Irrgang JJ, Anderson AF, Boland AL, Harner CD, Kurosaka M, Neyret P, Richmond JC, Shelborne KD. Responsiveness of the international knee documentation committee subjective knee form. The American journal of sports medicine. 2006 Mar;34(3):156-61.
5. Papalia R, Vasta S, D'Adamio S, Giacalone A, Maffulli N, Denaro V. The Lysholm score and modified Cincinnati knee rating system in evaluating young athletes: cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of the Italian version. Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy. 2012 Feb 1;20(2):329-34.