The impact of non-traumatic hip and knee disorders on health-related quality of life as measured with the SF-36 or SF-12. A systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this review is to summarize the available evidence on the impact of non-traumatic hip or knee disorders on health-related quality of life (HRQL), as measured with the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) or Short Form 12 Health Survey (SF-12), by comparing this with data from reference populations.


METHODS
Studies were identified by an electronic search of the MEDLINE, PsychInfo and Cinahl databases. Studies with the following features were included: study population included patients with non-traumatic hip or knee disorders, the SF-36 or SF-12 was used as an outcome measure and mean scores on these HRQL measures were presented. Using mean HRQL scores from the selected studies and scores from reference populations, z-scores were computed. Pooled estimates were computed for subgroups of studies with similar patients in similar settings.


RESULTS
A total of 40 studies met the inclusion criteria. Patients with non-traumatic hip and knee disorders scored up to 2.5 standard deviations (SDs) below reference population values, especially on the physical aspects of HRQL. Social and mental aspects were up to 1 SD below reference population values, especially in patients in clinical settings.


CONCLUSIONS
The impact of non-traumatic hip or knee disorders on HRQL is substantial, especially on the physical aspects of HRQL.
van der Waal
Johanna M
JM
Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Terwee
Caroline B
CB
van der Windt
Daniëlle A W M
DA
Bouter
Lex M
LM
Dekker
Joost
J
D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015207:Osteoarthritis, Hip / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D011788:Quality of Life; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile