The impact of ankle osteoarthritis. The difference of opinion between patient and orthopedic surgeon

• The opinions of patients and surgeons about several topics concerning ankle OA by using a modified Delphi method in two rounds were evaluated.
• It was demonstrated that clinicians under appreciate the symptoms and impact of ankle OA.
• The results of this study advocate incorporating the needs and demands of the individual patient in a prom.

BackgroundOutcome measures for ankle osteoarthritis (OA) are created by physicians with little input of the target patient group. The aim of this study was to determine the difference in opinion between patients and orthopedic surgeons concerning the importance of specific symptoms of ankle OA and its impact on daily life and function.MethodsA modified Delphi method was applied, consisting of structured interviews with patient focus groups and experts, followed by a poll using 32 statements. The difference in opinion between patients and orthopedic surgeons was evaluated.ResultsForty patients and forty orthopedic surgeons responded to the 32 statements. Statistically significant differences in opinion on symptoms, function and the impact of ankle OA on daily life were found.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates a significant difference in opinion between patients and orthopedic surgeons concerning specific symptoms of ankle OA. These results advocate incorporating the needs and demands of the individual patient for new outcome measures.