Oxford Knee Score
A questionnaire to evaluate knee-related pain and functional ability in patients undergoing total knee replacement.
What is the Oxford Knee Score?
The Oxford Knee Score is a validated patient-reported outcome measure developed by researchers at the University of Oxford to assess knee function and pain following knee arthroplasty. This 12-item questionnaire focuses on activities of daily living and provides a comprehensive assessment of how your knee condition affects your quality of life. It is widely used by clinicians to evaluate the effectiveness of knee replacement surgery and to monitor your recovery progress over time.
Scoring System
Each of the 12 items is scored on a scale from 0 to 4, with 0 representing the worst outcome and 4 representing the best outcome. The total score is calculated by summing all individual item scores, resulting in a range from 0 to 48. Higher scores indicate better knee function and less pain. The score is concise, reproducible, valid, and sensitive to clinically important changes in knee status.
General Information
Clinical Information
Instructions
Please answer all 12 questions about your knee condition over the past four weeks. For each question, select the response option that best describes your experience. Each question offers five response options, ranging from best to worst outcomes.
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Oxford Knee Score
A questionnaire to evaluate knee-related pain and functional ability in patients undergoing total knee replacement.
Instructions:
Please answer all 12 questions about your knee condition over the past four weeks. For each question, select the response option that best describes your experience. Each question offers five response options, ranging from best to worst outcomes.
Pain & Basic Function
Mobility & Movement
Daily Activities & Function
Patient Watch Form - 10/31/2025
Detailed Scoring Methodology
Each of the 12 items is scored on a scale from 0 to 4, with 0 representing the worst outcome and 4 representing the best outcome. The total score is calculated by summing all individual item scores, resulting in a range from 0 to 48. Higher scores indicate better knee function and less pain. The score is concise, reproducible, valid, and sensitive to clinically important changes in knee status.
Meaningful Change Threshold
A change of approximately 4 to 7 points in the Oxford Knee Score is considered the minimal important change (MIC), indicating a clinically significant improvement or deterioration in knee function. Studies have identified specific MIC values ranging from 4.7 to 7.1 points depending on the postoperative timeframe, with approximately 7.1 points at 12 months postoperatively representing a meaningful clinical change.
About the Developers
Developed by researchers within the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Sciences at the University of Oxford, in association with surgical colleagues at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre. The original development work was conducted in the Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care at the University of Oxford.
Copyright Information
Copyright © Oxford University Innovation. The Oxford Knee Score is a proprietary instrument requiring licensing for use. For licensing information and permissions, contact Oxford University Innovation. Users must obtain appropriate authorization before implementing this questionnaire in clinical practice or research.
Administration Instructions
Please answer all 12 questions about your knee condition over the past four weeks. For each question, select the response option that best describes your experience. Each question offers five response options, ranging from best to worst outcomes.
Limitations & Considerations
While the Oxford Knee Score is a validated and widely used measure, it has several limitations. It is specifically designed for patients undergoing knee arthroplasty and may not be suitable for assessing knee function in other patient populations or conditions. The questionnaire may not capture all aspects of knee function and patient experience. It should be considered as part of a comprehensive clinical assessment rather than as a standalone diagnostic tool. Additionally, cultural and linguistic adaptations may be necessary for non-English speaking populations.
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