Introduction
The Oxford Hip Score (OHS) is a validated questionnaire developed at the University of Oxford specifically to assess patient-reported outcomes after total hip arthroplasty implantation.
The instrument is convincing due to its simplicity and intuitive scoring system; however, a lack of question clarity has been criticized in several studies. Nevertheless, the OHS showed good comparability with the more commonly used Harris Hip Score and can be considered a valid questionnaire for outcome assessment after hip surgery.
The questionnaire comprises 12 questions, each with 5 possible answers. Two domains characterize the OHS: pain (general, getting up from sitting, sudden severe pain in the hip, pain at night in bed, interference with work due to pain) and physical functioning (washing/drying, transporting, putting on socks, household/shopping, climbing stairs, walking time before pain, limping). The results of the questionnaire are combined to generate a total score.
Responses to each item are linked to a score from 0 to 4, with 0 the most hip-related limitations and 4 representing the best possible health outcome. The score ranges from 0 to 48 with 0 being the worst result and 48 being the best result.
According to Murray et al, 2007, categorization should be avoided, as evidence based cut points are still being developed and current cut points may only be approximate. If cut points must be used, its recommended that they are the following (based on the 0 to 48 scale, 48 being the best result):
- Excellent: > 41
- Good: 34 – 41
- Fair: 27 – 33
- Poor: < 27
Use the following EVALUATION FORM to evaluate your patient and PRINT THE FORM when the evaluation is completed.
Reference
- Bauman, S., Williams, D., et al. (2007). “Physical activity after total joint replacement: a cross-sectional survey.” Clin J Sport Med 17(2): 104-108. Find it on PubMed
- Dawson, J., Jameson-Shortall, E., et al. (2000). “Issues relating to long-term follow-up in hip arthroplasty surgery.” The Journal of Arthroplasty 15(6): 710-717.
- Fitzpatrick, R., Morris, R., et al. (2000). “The value of short and simple measures to assess outcomes for patients of total hip replacement surgery.” Quality in Health Care 9(3): 146-150.
- Garbuz, D. S., Xu, M., et al. (2006). “Patients’ outcome after total hip arthroplasty: a comparison between the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities index and the Oxford 12-item hip score.” The Journal of arthroplasty 21(7): 998-1004.
- Kalairajah, Y., Azurza, K., et al. (2005). “Health outcome measures in the evaluation of total hip arthroplasties–a comparison between the Harris hip score and the Oxford hip score.” The Journal of arthroplasty 20(8): 1037.
- Martinelli, N., Longo, U. G., et al. (2011). “Cross-cultural adaptation and validation with reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Italian version of the Oxford Hip Score in patients with hip osteoarthritis.” Qual Life Res 20(6): 923-929. Find it on PubMed
- Murray, D., Fitzpatrick, R., et al. (2007). “The use of the Oxford hip and knee scores.” Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, British Volume 89(8): 1010-1014.