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Development and testing of a reduced WOMAC function scale

Orthopaedic Research Unit, Queensland University of Technology, Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, Brisbane QLD 4001, Australia.

E. A. Lingard, MPhil, Research Co-ordinator

Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE7 7DN, UK.

J. N. Katz, MD, Consultant Rheumatologist

Robert Brigham Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Research Centre, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.

I. D. Learmonth, FRCS, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Bristol, Winford Unit, Avon Orthopaedic Centre, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK.

Correspondence should be sent to Professor I. D. Learmonth.

We used prospective data from 862 total knee and 716 total hip replacements three years after surgery in order to derive and validate a reduced Western Ontario and McMasters University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) function scale. The reduced scale was derived using the advice of clinical experts as well as analysis of data. The scale was tested for validity, reliability and responsiveness.

Items which were retained included: ascending stairs, rising from sitting, walking on the flat, getting in or out of a car, putting on socks, rising from bed, and sitting.

The reduced and full scales had comparable, moderate correlations with other measures of function, confirming convergent validity. Cronbach’s alpha was high ( > 0.85) with the reduced scale confirming reliability. Responsiveness was greater for the reduced scale (full = 1.4, reduced = 1.6).

This reduced version of the WOMAC function scale provides a practical, valid, reliable and responsive alternative to the full function scale for use after total joint replacement. Further work is needed to demonstrate its wider applicability.

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