Sensitivity to changes over time for the IKDC form, the Lysholm score, andthe Cincinnati knee score - A prospective study of 120 ACL reconstructed patients with a 2-year follow-up

The purpose of this study was to determine: (1) the sensitivity to changes over time for the IKDC form, the Lysholm score, and the Cincinnati knee sco re, (2) the relationship between the IKDC form the Lysholm score and the Ci ncinnati knee score, (3) the criterion validity of each graded variable inc luded in the IKDC form, and (3) if a functional knee test should be include d as a graded variable and part of the final result of the IKDC form. We in cluded in this prospective study 120 subjects who underwent ACL reconstruct ion with follow-up times of 3 and 6 months, and 1 and 2 years after surgery . Outcome measurements were the graded variables of the IKDC form (IKDC1-4 and IKDC-final), the Lysholm score, the Cincinnati knee score, a visual ana logue scale for patient's satisfaction, knee joint laxity measurement (KT-1 000 knee arthrometer), and two functional knee tests (the triple jump and s tairs hopple tests). The IKDC1, IKDC2, IKDC-final, and the Lysholm score we re not sensitive to changes over time. The Cincinnati knee score was highly sensitive to changes over time and showed significantly improved outcome b etween each follow-up. IKDC1-4 showed high criterion validity, indicating t hat the IKDC1-4 is a good means of documenting clinical examination at one follow-up, but not of detecting changes over time. The functional knee test s were significant outcome measurements after ACL reconstruction, and shoul d be reported separately.