Normative data of the Visual Analogue Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS FA) for pathological conditions.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to analyze the Visual Analogue Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS FA) in patients to obtain normative data for pathological conditions. METHODS The VAS FA was consecutively obtained in a foot and ankle outpatient clinic. The score results were categorized into different pathological foot and ankle conditions. RESULTS 414 patients were evaluated. Overall scores and score categories of all pathology groups differed from non-pathological data (n=121). Within the different groups, no score differences occurred. Score standards were defined for these groups with sufficient statistical power (>.8): isolated Hallux valgus, Hallux valgus and claw toes, forefoot other pathology, midfoot other pathology, hindfoot pathology and ankle deformity. No standards were defined for other pathology groups. CONCLUSIONS The obtained data is normative for different pathological conditions of the earlier validated VAS FA. The obtained data is normative for different pathological conditions of the earlier validated VAS FA. This data could serve as a basis for assessment patient scoring before, during and after treatment which has to then to be proved by ongoing research.