Clinical usefulness of the Staffelstein-Score in the functional assessment in knee arthroplasty patients.

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to compare the authors' own modification of the Staffelstein-Score against the HSS Knee Score in the assessment of early results of knee arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 67 patients qualified for knee arthroplasty (average age 68.5 years) were examined. 62 patients underwent a surgical procedure. A control group comprised 74 healthy patients (average age 67.5 years). Muscle strength and knee range of motion were measured and HSS Knee Score (HSS) and modified Staffelstein-Score (MSS) assessments were performed. The experimental group was assessed at baseline (Test 1) and at 8 (Test 2) and 100 (Test 3) days postoperatively. The control group was examined once. RESULTS The Staffelstein-Scores on successive examinations were 67, 59 and 100 pts in the experimental group and 119 pts in the control group. Statistically significant differences were noted between the results within the experimental group and between the groups. The respective HSS Knee Score results were 46, 44 and 73 pts in the experimental group and 96 pts in the control group. Statistically significant differences were observed as regards the results, except the baseline assessment vs. Test 2. CONCLUSIONS 1. The sensitivity of the HSS Knee Score is insufficient if tests are carried out at short intervals. It does not provide a balanced assessment of the functional capability and clinical performance of the joint. 2. The modified Staffelstein-Score has a high sensitivity to clinical changes, even those occurring a few days following an arthroplasty procedure. 3. The MSS is also useful as a balanced assessment of pain, joint functional capability and clinical examination results.