Results of an Internet survey determining the most frequently used ankle scores by AOFAS members.
BACKGROUND
With technological advances in ankle arthroplasty, there has been parallel development in the outcome instruments used to assess the results of surgery. The literature recommends the use of valid, reliable, and responsive ankle scores, but the ankle scores commonly used in clinical practice remain undefined.


METHODS
An internet survey of members of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) was conducted to determine which three ankle scores they perceived as most commonly used in the literature, which ones they believe are validated, which ones they prefer, and which they use in practice.


RESULTS
According to respondents, the three most commonly used scores were the AOFAS Ankle score, the Foot Function Index (FFI), and the Musculoskeletal Outcomes Data Evaluation and Management System (MODEMS). The respondents believed that the AOFAS Ankle score, FFI, and MODEMS were validated. The FFI and MODEMS are validated, but the AOFAS ankle score is not validated.


CONCLUSIONS
Most respondents preferred using the AOFAS Ankle score. The use of the empirical AOFAS Ankle score continues among AOFAS members.
Lau
Johnny T C
JT
Orthopaedic Surgery, UHN-Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Mahomed
Nizar M
NM
Schon
Lew C
LC
D000842:Ankle / Q000601:surgery; D000843:Ankle Joint; D001168:Arthritis / Q000601:surgery*; D003625:Data Collection; D005528:Foot / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000592:standards; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012955:Societies, Medical; D014481:United States