The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Questionnaire
The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) is a patient reported, knee-specific outcome measure that has been shown to be a reliable, valid and responsive tool for patients with knee conditions. It was also one of the instruments used in the popular MOON study. The measure has been subjected to rigorous statistical evaluation and over time has proven to be a valid and responsive patient reported outcome measure (PROM).
Development of the IKDC began in 1993, and has consisted of multiple iterations, which has ultimately led to the current format. Originally titled the ‘Standard Knee Evaluation Form,’ it was first conceptualized to help create an industry standard document for knee-specific conditions that could be used consistently amongst all healthcare providers.
IKDC is a subjective scale that provides patients with an overall function score. The questionnaire looks at three (3) categories: symptoms, sports activity and knee function. The symptoms subscale helps to evaluate things such as pain, stiffness, swelling and giving-way of the knee. The sports activity subscale focuses on functions such as; going up and down the stairs, rising from a chair, squatting and jumping. The knee function subscale asks patients one (1) simple question – how is their knee at present versus how was their knee prior to injury.
Scores are obtained by summing the individual items and then transforming the crude total to a scaled number that ranges from 0 to 100. This final number is interpreted as a measure of function with higher scores representing higher levels of function.
Overall, the IKDC is a simple and straightforward reporting measure that is easy to use and requires little time to complete. It is important to note that the IKDC is a knee-specific measure of symptoms, function and sports activity, rather than a disease-specific measure.
Strengths
The IKDC is one of the instruments most commonly used to determine results following various knee procedures including ACL reconstructions. This is evidenced by the fact that it was selected for use as one of the outcome instruments in the well-publicized MOON study – a large-scale study that followed the outcomes of patients undergoing ACL reconstructions.
Because it is knee-specific and not disease-specific, IKDC may also be used to measure symptoms, function and sports activity for people with a variety of knee disorders like ligamentous and meniscal injuries, osteoarthritis and patellofemoral dysfunction. The reliability and responsiveness of the IKDC is also comparable with other widely used PRO measures, particularly for those suffering from articular cartilage lesions.
IKDC is a fast and simple outcome measure. It requires just ten (10) minutes for completion and uses language that is easy to understand and suitable for all patient groups.
Overall, the IKDC is a reliable, well-known outcome measure. It’s simple ten (10) question format makes it patient- and clinician-friendly.
License and Cost
The IKDC can be used without a license or fee for academic research. For any other company, vendor or healthcare system, the IKDC may require a license.
To learn more, please visit the AOSSM website: www.sportsmed.org/research/resources
Sources | Assessment of Differences Between the Modified Cincinnati and International Knee Documentation Committee Patient
Outcome Scores | Responsiveness of the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee form in comparison to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index | The Impact of the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) Research on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Orthopaedic Practice | Measures of Knee Function
