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 were 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.

Automated summary

This study aimed to explore and describe the outcome measures used in primary research on ankle osteoarthritis (OA) and propose corresponding health-related domains. The results showed that various outcome measures were used in ankle OA research, with the most commonly reported measures being the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, plain radiographs for ankle alignment, numerical rating scale for pain severity, and goniometry for ankle range of motion. Based on these measures, 19 possible health-related domains were proposed, mainly related to the impact on daily life and the pathophysiological manifestations of ankle OA. This review can guide clinicians and researchers in selecting appropriate outcome measures.