Clinical Outcomes After Cartilage Injury and Repair

The International Classification of Functioning and Disablement provides a framework that can be used to assess clinical outcomes of articular cartilage surgery. In this model, clinical outcome can be determined in terms of structure and function of the articular cartilage and joint as well as in terms of activity and participation of the individual. Factors to consider when selecting a clinical outcome measure include the purpose for which the information will be used, the time required to administer and score the instrument, and psychometric properties of the instrument, including test re-test reliability, responsiveness, and validity. Use of the Lysholm Knee Scale, Cincinnati Knee Rating System, Activities of Daily Living Scale of the Knee Outcome Survey, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Knee Osteoarthritis and Outcomes Score, and the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form to evaluate patient-oriented outcomes for articular cartilage procedures is discussed.