Cincinnati knee rating system

Original Editor - Mathius Kassagga Top Contributors - Mathius Kassagga

Top Contributors - Mathius Kassagga

Objective[edit | edit source]

First published in 1983 by Noyes et al. The Cincinnati Knee Rating System (CKRS) was created as an outcome measure to assist clinicians with information regarding patients' functional and clinical outcomes after knee surgery. It has undergone several modifications and it is one of the most commonly use instruments used to measure the results of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction.[1]

Intended Population[edit | edit source]

Although originally designed to assess outcomes following ACL reconstructions among athletes, the CKRS is applicable to a variety of knee conditions such as articular cartilage restorative procedures, meniscus repairs or transplants, osteotomies, or patellofemoral procedures among others.[1]

Method of Use[edit | edit source]

The CKRS was majorly used to assess 4 symptoms, that is; pain, swelling, partial giving-way and full giving way, but it has undergone several modifications to include other components that measure range of knee motion, joint effusion, tibiofemoral and patellofemoral crepitus, knee ligament subluxations, compartment narrowing on radiographs, lower limb symmetry during single-leg hop tests, activities of daily living and sports activity levels. Modern modifications of the CKRS incorporate a rating of the patient's perception of the knee condition,

Rating of symptoms[edit | edit source]

The scale for the assessment of symptoms is made up of a six level gradient, click on the links under resources below for samples. Points are awarded for the highest activity level in which the patient is able to participate without incurring the symptom, with 0 being the least and 10 being the highest.

Evidence[edit | edit source]

The CKRS has met criteria for viability, reliability and responsiveness in several studies and therefore is suitable for use in clinical practice.[2][3]

Resources[edit | edit source]

CKRS symptom rating form

Modified CKRS

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Noyes, Frank R., Sue D. Barber, and Lisa A. Mooar. A rationale for assessing sports activity levels and limitations in knee disorders. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 1989: 246: 238-249.
  2. Barber-Westin, Sue D., Noyes FR, and McCloskey JW. Rigorous statistical reliability, validity, and responsiveness testing of the Cincinnati knee rating system in 350 subjects with uninjured, injured, or anterior cruciate ligament-reconstructed knees. The American journal of sports medicine 1999: 27.4: 402-416.
  3. Marx, Robert G., et al. Reliability, validity, and responsiveness of four knee outcome scales for athletic patients. JBJS 2001:83.10:1459-1469