- K Chaory: Service de médecine physique et de réadaptation, groupe hospitalier Pitié-Salpétrière, AP-HP, 47-83, boulevard de l'hôpital, 75661 Paris 13, France. karl.chaory@psl.ap-hop-paris.fr
INTRODUCTION: Recently, results of surgery for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) have been systematically assessed. Several scales have been developed, but for most rigorous validation is lacking.
METHODOLOGY: We reviewed reports of published scales for ACL surgery and compared their psychometric properties. We searched the MedLine and Cochrane databases with the key words anterior cruciate ligament, surgery, and rating score. A scale was reviewed if its reliability, validity, and responsiveness were reported at least once.
RESULTS: We reviewed four scales (Lysholm and Tegner, Cincinnati, IKDC, and Koos). Test-retest reliability was good, except for the IKDC. For all scales, construct validity could not been ascertained. Responsiveness was acceptable and of the same magnitude for the Lysholm and Tegner, and Cincinnati scales.
CONCLUSION: None of the scales had sufficient psychometric properties and all seemed too complicated for routine use. Validation of a simple scale is needed. Psychometric properties of the last version of the IKDC (IKDC 2000) and the Cincinnati scales should be studied.