Outcome measures for ankle osteoarthritis (OA) are created by physicians with little input of the target patient group. The aim of this study was to determine the difference in opinion between patients and orthopedic surgeons concerning the importance of specific symptoms of ankle OA and its impact on daily life and function.
A modified Delphi method was applied, consisting of structured interviews with patient focus groups and experts, followed by a poll using 32 statements. The difference in opinion between patients and orthopedic surgeons was evaluated.
Forty patients and forty orthopedic surgeons responded to the 32 statements. Statistically significant differences in opinion on symptoms, function and the impact of ankle OA on daily life were found.
This study demonstrates a significant difference in opinion between patients and orthopedic surgeons concerning specific symptoms of ankle OA. These results advocate incorporating the needs and demands of the individual patient for new outcome measures.