Outcome measures in clinical studies of ankle osteoarthritis: A systematic review

Objective
To explore and describe the outcome measures reported in primary research of ankle osteoarthritis (OA) and to propose aligned health-related domains.

Methods
Six databases were searched, and studies screened by two independent reviewers. Studies of participants with ankle OA who were >18 years of age and reported outcome measure data were included. Non-English, animal, cadaveric, reviews, and studies with <5 participants were excluded. Outcome measures were examined for content and mapped to health-related domains.

Results
1386 studies were identified, of which 547 met selection criteria – reporting 250 outcome measures. Most commonly reported measures were the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (n=257 studies), plain radiographs to measure ankle alignment (n=211), numerical rating scale for pain severity (n=177) and goniometry to measure ankle range of motion (n=148). Outcome measures were organised into 19 domains. The most common domains were pain severity (315 (58%) studies), ankle alignment (254 (46%)), ankle motion (181 (33%)), disability (169 (31%)) and health-related quality of life (128 (23%)). These domains fell into the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) core areas of life impact and pathophysiological manifestations.

Conclusion
Many outcome measures are used in ankle OA research, most of which assess joint alignment, pain, and motion. Based on the outcome measures identified, we proposed 19 possible health-related domains, predominantly in the OMERACT core areas of life impact and pathophysiological manifestations of ankle OA. Clinicians and researchers can use this review in guiding selection of outcome measures.

Contributors

Sultan A Alanazi, Bill Vicenzino, Jonah Rhodes, Michelle D Smith

Publication

Journal: Physiotherapy
Volume:
Issue:
Pages: -
Year: 2022
DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2022.08.008

Further Study Information

Current Stage: Completed
Date:
Funding source(s):


Health Area

Disease Category: Rheumatology

Disease Name: Osteoarthritis

Target Population

Age Range: 18 - 120

Sex: Either

Nature of Intervention: Any

Stakeholders Involved

Study Type

- Systematic review of outcomes measured in trials

Method(s)

- Systematic review