Understanding the Pediatric IKDC (Pedi-IKDC) Knee Evaluation Tool

What is the Pediatric IKDC (Pedi-IKDC)?

The Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKDC) subjective form is a modified version of the original International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee evaluation form that was created for use in patients from 10 to 18 years old. Both the Pedi-IKDC and the IKDC were designed as disease-specific patient-reported outcomes to be used for a variety of knee injuries, diseases and procedures. 

Key Differences Between Pedi-IKDC and the Original IKDC

Unlike the original IKDC, the Pedi-IKDC has modified wording to optimize question comprehension by pediatric patients. Furthermore, three of the questions from the original 18-question IKDC have been split for easier understanding, bringing the Pedi-IKDC to a total of 21 questions. The Pedi-IKDC survey results in a single score that is summative of all included questions and can range from 0 (highest symptom burden) to 100 (no symptoms). 

Strengths and Benefits of the Pedi-IKDC

The Pedi-IKDC has been well-validated and tested within the literature with excellent responsiveness, internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The influence of floor or ceiling effects seems to be negligible with 0% and 6% scoring the 0 and 100, respectively. Perhaps one of the greatest strengths of the Pedi-IKDC, however, is the ability to use it for a variety of knee-related diseases, injuries, and procedures. Furthermore, the translation of the Pedi-IKDC into several languages including Korean, German and French makes it more accessible to patients of diverse backgrounds. 

Important Considerations When Implementing Pedi-IKDC

Prior to use of the Pedi-IKDC within your practice, there are considerations to be made. One of the primary downfalls of the Pedi-IKDC is its limited target population. The “aging out” of patients into the use of the adult form of the IKDC limits its utility in studies with long-term follow-up. However, recent studies demonstrate no clinically significant difference in Pedi- and adult IKDC scores in adolescents as young as 13 years of age, recommending the use of whatever form can be used consistently for the desired follow-up period.

Pedi-IKDC Costs and Licensing Information

Much like the IKDC, the Pedi-IKDC is readily available to any interest in utilizing it in clinical practice with no associated cost or licensure requirements.

Conclusion: Is the Pedi-IKDC Right for Your Practice?

The Pedi-IKDC is a modified version of the well-accepted IKDC that is best suited for patients 10-18 years of age. Though the limited age range of the target population restricts the use of this tool in long-term studies, its utility across a broad spectrum of knee-related disorders and its demonstrated reliability, validity, and internal consistency make it a desirable outcome measure in this population.