The Oxford Knee Pain Assessment Test is a globally recognized, easy-to-use self-assessment tool designed to evaluate both the severity of knee pain and knee function. It is particularly helpful in determining whether a person with knee osteoarthritis may need knee replacement surgery or other non-surgical treatment options.

The Oxford Knee Pain Assessment Test consists of a total of 12 questions:

• 5 questions focus on the severity of knee pain
• 7 questions assess the physical function of the knee

Patients are asked to answer based on how their knee pain has affected their daily activities over the past four weeks. Questions include examples such as:

• "Do you experience knee pain at night?"
• "How much does knee pain limit your movement?"

If both knees are affected, you should complete the test separately for each knee.

Originally introduced in 1998, the Oxford Knee Pain Assessment Test was designed to evaluate patients' knee pain and function after knee replacement surgery. Over time, it has been refined to assess:

• The severity of knee osteoarthritis
• The impact of knee pain on joint function and daily activities
• The effectiveness of non-surgical treatments
• Recovery progress after knee replacement surgery

This quick, practical, and validated tool can be completed online or on paper and is frequently used to help inform treatment planning.

Each question in the test is scored between 0 and 4 with:

• 0 = Worst outcome
• 4 = Best outcome

Your total score will range between 0 and 48. Here's how to interpret the results:

40-48 points: Indicates normal joint function, and no treatment for knee pain is required.

30-39 points: Suggests mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. In this case, non-surgical treatments such as medication, exercise, and weight loss under medical supervision can be considered to manage knee pain.

20-29 points: Indicates moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis. A consultation with an orthopedic specialist is recommended for a detailed evaluation and appropriate treatment planning.

0-19 points: Suggests severe knee osteoarthritis and a possible need for knee replacement surgery. It is important to consult a doctor promptly to prevent further joint damage and worsening symptoms.

Knee osteoarthritis has different stages, and treatment options vary based on joint damage severity and symptom intensity:

• Grade 1 (early-stage): Usually does not cause pain or discomfort and may not require active treatment. Supplements and exercise may support joint health.
• Mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis: Characterized by knee pain and movement difficulties. At this stage, non-surgical treatment options such as physical therapy, pain relief medication, weight management, or joint injections may be recommended.
• Severe osteoarthritis: Results in significant knee pain, discomfort, stiffness, and restricted movement, making daily activities difficult. For most patients with severe knee osteoarthritis, knee replacement surgery is the most effective long-term solution.

The Oxford Knee Pain Assessment Test helps assess the severity of knee pain and determine the appropriate treatment plan. For example, if your test score falls between 0-19, it may indicate severe knee osteoarthritis and the need for knee replacement surgery.

If you have previously tried non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections for knee pain, taking the test can help you evaluate how effective these treatments have been. If your score improves after treatment, you may assume that the treatment has been beneficial. However, a declining test score may indicate worsening knee pain and joint function.

Important Note: While the Oxford Knee Pain Assessment Test is a valuable tool to assess your condition, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Your final treatment plan should always be determined in consultation with an orthopedic specialist, who will evaluate not only your test score but also imaging results, physical examination, and other clinical findings.

Take the Oxford Knee Pain Assessment Test today and consult our orthopedic team to explore your personalized treatment options.