Reliability, validity and responsiveness of the German Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) in patients with foot or ankle surgery

Reliability and validation of the German Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score

PURPOSE

Patient-related outcome measures (PROMs) are important instruments to evaluate efficacy of orthopaedic procedures. The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) is a PROM developed to evaluate outcomes after treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs). Purpose of this study is to develop and culturally adapt the German version of the ATRS and to evaluate reliability and validity.

METHODS

The ATRS was translated by forward-backward translation based on common guidelines. In this retrospective study, 48 patients with a surgical intervention after ATR were recruited. Reliability was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was valued by determining Pearson correlation coefficient with the German version of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A).

RESULTS

The German Version of the ATRS has an excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.96) as well as an excellent test-retest-reliability (ICC 0.98). It has a moderately strong correlation with the VISA-A (r = 0.73) as well as with the FAOS subclasses (r = 0.6-0.79).

CONCLUSION

The German version of the ATRS demonstrated good psychometric properties. It proofed to be a valid and reliable instrument for use in patients with Achilles tendon Rupture.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Cross-Culturally Adapted Versions of Patient Reported Outcome Measures for the Lower Extremity

Background

A large number of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been developed in the English language for various lower extremity orthopaedic pathologies. Twenty different PROMs were recommended for 15 specific musculoskeletal lower extremity pathologies or surgeries. However, the availability of cross-culturally adapted versions of these recommended PROMs is unknown.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify the cross-culturally adapted versions of recommended PROMs for individuals experiencing orthopedic lower extremity pathologies or undergoing surgeries, and to identify the psychometric evidence that supports their utilization.

Study design

Literature Review.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL, SPORTDisucs and Scopus were searched for cross-culturally adapted translated studies through May 2022. The search strategy included the names of the 20 recommended PROMs from previous umbrella review along with the following terms: reliability, validity, responsiveness, psychometric properties and cross-cultural adaptation. Studies that presented a non-English language version of the PROM with evidence in at least one psychometric property to support its use were included. Two authors independently evaluated the studies for inclusion and independently extracted data.

Results

Nineteen PROMS had cross-culturally adapted and translated language versions. The KOOS, WOMAC, ACL-RSL, FAAM, ATRS, HOOS, OHS, MOXFQ and OKS were available in over 10 different language versions. Turkish, Dutch, German, Chinese and French were the most common languages, with each language having more than 10 PROMs with psychometric properties supporting their use. The WOMAC and KOOS were both available in 10 languages and had all three psychometric properties of reliability, validity, and responsiveness supporting their use.

Conclusion

Nineteen of the 20 recommended instruments were available in multiple languages. The PROM most frequently cross-culturally adapted and translated were the KOOS and WOMAC. PROMs were most frequently cross-culturally adapted and translated into Turkish. International researchers and clinicians may use this information to more consistently implement PROMs with the most appropriate psychometric evidence available to support their use.

Level of evidence

3a.

Reliability, validity and clinical applicability of the German version of the European Foot and Ankle Society Score

BACKGROUND

Purpose of this study was an external evaluation of the recently developed European Foot and Ankle Society (EFAS) Score.

METHODS

From July 2021 to January 2022, all consecutive patients with foot and ankle disorders were asked to complete three validated questionnaires prior to the medical examination. Validity was evaluated with correlations between the EFAS Score, Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOxFQ) and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Cronbach's alpha, floor and ceiling effects and the minimal important difference (MID) were determined.

RESULTS

In a total of 161 included patients, the EFAS Score demonstrated a very good correlation with the MOxFQ index score (r = 0.76, p < 0.001). There were no floor or ceiling effects. Cronbach's alpha was 0.863, and the MID amounts 3 points and 7 points for significant changes respectively.

CONCLUSION

In terms of reliability and validity, the EFAS Score demonstrated good to excellent psychometric values. A change of 7 points or more in the EFAS Score in longitudinal examinations is clinically highly relevant.

[Treatment of Achilles insertional calcific tendinosis using a longitudinal midline incision approach/central tendon splitting approach]

OBJECTIVE

Treatment of Achilles insertional calcific tendinosis through a longitudinal midline incision approach with optional resection of the retrocalcaneal bursa and calcaneal tuberosity (Haglund's deformity).

INDICATIONS

Calcific Achilles tendinosis, dorsal heel spur, insertional tendinosis.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

General medical contraindications to surgical interventions. Fracture, infection.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Longitudinal skin incision medial of the Achilles tendon. Exposure and midline incision of the Achilles tendon with plantar detachment from the insertion site preserving medial and lateral attachment. Resection of a dorsal heel spur and intratendinous calcifications. Optional resection of the retrocalcaneal bursa and calcaneal tuberosity (Haglund's deformity).

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Partial weight bearing 20 kg in 30° plantar flexion in a long walker boot for 2 weeks. Afterwards 2 weeks of progressively weight bearing in 15° plantar flexion and another 2 weeks in neutral ankle joint position in a long walker boot.

RESULTS

A total of 26 feet of 26 patients with calcific Achilles tendinosis were treated with midline incision of the tendon. In all feet calcific tendon parts were resected. In 10 (38%) feet, a prominent dorsal spur was resected, in 12 feet (38%) retrocalcaneal bursa, and in 24 (92%) feet a calcaneal tuberosity. Mean follow-up was 34.5 months (range 2-64 months). Preoperative Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) score was 58.2 (±8.1) and postoperatively the score was 22.75 (±6.0). In all, 7 (26.9%) patients stated delayed wound healing; 1 suffered from deep vein thrombosis. Shoe problems were reported by 50% of patients, and 23.1% suffered from par- or dysesthesia. No revision surgery was required.

Evaluation of the new defined EFAS score (European foot and ankle society score) in relation to already established functional scores (FFI, MOXFQ) after cartilage reconstructive therapy (AMIC®) for osteochondral lesion of the talus

BACKGROUND

In 2011, the European Foot and Ankle Society developed a Score (EFAS Score) to generate a standardized questionnaire for several European languages. The aim of this study is to analyse how the newly defined score correlates with already established function scores.

METHODS

This study is a monocentric prospective study. The questionnaires were completed at least 12 months postoperatively at the same time point. All patients had undergone surgery with the Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis® procedure for osteochondral lesions of the talus.

RESULTS

A total of 69 patients (33 women, 36 men) participated in the study. The EFAS Score correlates very strongly with the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) and strongly with the Foot Function Index (FFI).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the EFAS Score correlates significantly with the FFI and the MOXFQ. The EFAS seems to be a more patient-friendly alternative due to fewer questions and response choices.

The effect of BMI on long-term outcomes after operatively treated ankle fractures: a study with up to 16 years of follow-up

Background

Ankle fractures are a common injury and the main cause of post-traumatic ankle arthritis. The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, and this population is known to have poorer short and midterm outcomes after ankle fractures. Our objective is to assess long-term patient-reported outcomes in patients with operatively treated ankle fractures, and the effect of BMI on these results using the new and validated patient-reported outcome questionnaire, the Manchester Oxford foot and ankle questionnaire (MOXFQ).

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of all ankle fractures treated operatively in a ten-year period from 2002–2012. The MOXFQ and SF-12 were sent to all patients and were obtained, on average, 11.1 years after surgery (range 5.3–16.2 years).

Results

Two thousand fifty-five ankle fractures were reviewed, of which 478 (34%) patients completed the questionnaires. The mean age was 48.1 ± 15.5 years, 52% were men and the mean BMI was 26.1 ± 4.5 kg/m2. Of the 478, 47% were of normal weight, 36% were overweight, and 17% were obese. Overall, 2.1% were type A, 69.9% B, and 24.9% type C fractures. There were no significant differences in the type of fracture between the BMI groups. Comparing obese and non-obese patients, there were large differences in MOXFQ pain (33 ± 29 vs. 18.7 ± 22.1, effect size 0.55), and function scores (27.3 ± 29 vs. 12.5 ± 21.1, effect size 0.58). No differences in complications and reoperations rates were observed. The BMI value at surgery correlated more strongly with the MOXFQ pain score than the BMI at follow-up (Spearman’s Rho 0.283 vs. 0.185, respectively).

Conclusion

These findings reveal that obese patients have significant worse long-term outcomes, namely increased pain, poorer function, and greater impairment in everyday life after an operatively treated ankle fracture. Moreover, pain and function linearly declined with increasing BMI. Our findings appear to indicate that increased BMI at surgery is an important contributor to adverse outcome in the operative management of rotational ankle fractures.

Level of evidence

III.

Primary total ankle replacement surgery is a cost-effective intervention

AIMS

The primary aim was to assess the cost-effectiveness of primary total ankle replacements (PTAR) in the UK. Secondary aim was to identify predictors associated with increased cost-effectiveness of PTAR.

METHODS

Pre-operative and six-month post-operative data was obtained over a 90-month period across the two centres receiving adult referrals in the UK. The EuroQol general health questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) measured health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) measured joint function. Predictors, tested for significance with QALYs gained, were pre-operative scores and demographic data including age, gender, BMI and socioeconomic status. A cost per QALY of less than £20,000 was defined as cost effective.

RESULTS

The 51-patient cohort [mean age 67.70 (SD 8.91), 58.8% male] had 47.7% classed as obese or higher. Cost per QALY gained was £1669, rising to £4466 when annual (3.5%) reduction in health gains and revision rates and discounting were included. Lower pre-operative EQ-5D-3L index correlated significantly with increased QALYs gained (p < 0.01), all other predictors were not significantly (p > 0.05) associated with QALYs gained.

CONCLUSIONS

PTAR is a cost-effective intervention for treating end-stage ankle arthritis. Pre-operative EQ-5D-3L was associated with QALYs gained. A pre-operative EQ-5D-3L score of 0.57 or more was not cost effective to operate on.

[Plantar fascia release and decompression of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve (Baxter's nerve)]

OBJECTIVE

Treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis and release of the first calcaneal branch of the lateral plantar nerve (Baxter's nerve).

INDICATIONS

Chronic plantar fasciitis, compression of the first calcaneal branch of the lateral plantar nerve (Baxter's nerve).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

General medical contraindications to surgical interventions, infection.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Longitudinal incision at the medial heel. Exposure of the plantar fascia at its origin on the medial plantar calcaneus. Medial incision of the plantar fascia preserving the lateral portion. Resection of a heel spur, if present. Exposure of the abductor hallucis muscle. Incision of the superficial fascia of the muscle. Retraction of the muscle belly und incision of the deep portion of the fascia, decompression of the nerve.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Two weeks partial weight bearing 20 kg in a healing shoe. Progressively weight bearing using a shoe with a stiff sole for another 4 weeks.

RESULTS

A total of 32 feet of 27 patients with chronic plantar fasciitis and compression of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve were treated with medial incision of the fascia and a nerve decompression. In 24 feet a calcaneal spur was resected. Mean follow-up was 25.6 months (12-35 months). Preoperative Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) score was 52.5 (±9.0), postoperative MOXFQ score was 31.3 (±4.1). Six (18,8%) patients had same or more pain 6 weeks postoperatively.;8 (25%) patients stated minor complications like swelling, delayed wound healing, temporary hypoesthesia or pain while walking.

Development and psychometric performance of the French language version of the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ)

BACKGROUND

The Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) is a 16-item patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) validated for use in patients with foot and ankle pathologies. It contains three sub-scores for pain, walking/standing and social interaction dimensions. The aim of this study was to develop a French language version of the MOXFQ and to assess its psychometric properties in patients affected by foot and ankle pathologies.

METHODS

According to guidelines, forward and backward independent translations were performed. The final French version was pre-tested in 45 patients. The French MOXFQ and the Short-form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were filled in by 149 patients. A retest was performed in 39 patients. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Construct validity was assessed by factor analysis, and through correlations of MOXFQ scales with SF-36 scales.

RESULTS

Internal consistency coefficients were high with Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.79 and 0.94. Test-retest ICCs were between 0.74 and 0.93. No floor or ceiling effects were observed. The correlations between French MOXFQ and French SF-36 subscales were moderate ranging from -0.33 to -0.71.

CONCLUSIONS

The French translation of the MOXFQ revealed good psychometric properties. Our French version proved to be a reliable instrument which can be used for evaluation of patients with foot and ankle disorders.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire Chinese version (MOXFQ-Ch): a validity and cross-cultural adaptation

PURPOSE

To perform the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire Chinese Version (MOXFQ-Ch) through a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the original questionnaire.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Three hundred and sixty nine patients (241 women/128 men, 48.75 ± 8.17 years old) with a diagnosis of hallux valgus foot (237 both feet; 74 right foot; 58 left foot) participated in this observational study. A translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire to Chinese was developed. Each participant completed twice the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire. In addition, the psychometric characteristics of Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire Chinese Version were analyzed for internal consistency, construct validity and criterion validity (EuroQoL-5D; Short-Form 12v2; Foot Functional Index were used).

RESULTS

The internal consistency of the different sub-scales and total value of the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire Chinese Version ranged between 0.976 (walking/standing) and 0.991 (pain). Moreover, in the item response analysis, the results ranged between 0.973 (walking/standing) and 0.998 (pain). The standard error of the measurement scores ranged between 1.071 (social interaction) and 1.864 (Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire Chinese Version total value). The values of Minimal Detectible Change 90 were 4342. In addition, values of the root mean square error of approximation and Goodness-of-fit index were: 0.076 and 0.916 respectively. For criterion validity, were used the questionnaires: Short-Form 12v2, Foot Function Index (Chinese Version), and EuroQol-5D. Correlations with the three factors show a "r" value ranged between 0.104 (Factor 1 - SF12v2-Sub-scale) to 0.819 (FFI-Ch).

CONCLUSIONS

The Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire has been translated and culturally adapted from the original version into Chinese. Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire Chinese Version has shown excellent internal consistency, external validity ranges from moderate to excellent (depending on the questionnaire used) and, demonstrated a structure of one factor psychometrically supported. Consequently, the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire Chinese Version could be introduced into Chinese-speaking clinical and research settings to assess and monitor patients with hallux valgus Implications for rehabilitation Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire has been cross-cultural adapted from the original version to Chinese. Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire Chinese Version have been reported satisfactory psychometric properties and consistent results. Chinese speaking clinician and researcher, could use the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire Chinese Version to assess and follow up patients with food and ankle disease.