Background. Recurrent patellar dislocation in combination with cartilage injures are difficult injuries to treat with confounding pathways of treatment. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of patients operated for patellofemoral instability with and without cartilage defects. Methods. 82 patients (mean age-28.8 years) with recurrent patellar dislocations, who underwent soft-tissue or bony procedures, were divided into 2 matched groups (age, sex, follow-up and type of procedure) of 41 each based on the presence or absence of cartilage defects in patella. Chondroplasty, microfracture, osteochondral fixation or Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis(AMIC)-type procedures were done depending on the nature of cartilage injury. Lysholm, Kujala, Tegner and Subjective Knee scores of both groups were compared and analysed. Complications and return to theatre were noted. Results. With a mean follow-up of 8 years (2 years-12.3 years), there was a significant improvement observed in all the mean post-operative Patient Reported Outcome Measures (p<0.05) of both the groups, as compared to the pre-operative scores. Comparing the 2 groups, post-operative Lysholm, Kujala and Subjective knee scores were significantly higher in patients operated without cartilage defects (p<0.05). 3 patients operated for patellofemoral instability with cartilage defects had to undergo patellofemoral replacement in the long term. Odds ratio for developing complications is 2.6 for patients operated with cartilage defects. Conclusion. Although there is a significant improvement in the long term outcome scores of patients operated for recurrent patellar dislocation with cartilage defects, the results are significantly inferior as compared to those without cartilage defects, along with a higher risk of developing complications and returning to theatre

Despite considerable legacy issues, Girdlestone's Resection Arthroplasty (GRA) remains a valuable tool in the armoury of the arthroplasty surgeon. When reserved for massive lysis in the context of extensive medical comorbidities which preclude staged or significant surgical interventions, and / or the presence of pelvic discontinuity, GRA as a salvage procedure can have satisfactory outcomes. These outcomes include infection control, pain control and post-op function. We describe a case series of 13 cases of GRA and comment of the indications, peri, and post-operative outcomes. We reviewed all cases of GRA performed in our unit during an 8 year period, reviewing the demographics, indications, and information pertaining to previous surgeries, and post op outcome for each. Satisfaction was based on a binary summation (happy/unhappy) of the patients’ sentiments at the post-operative outpatient consultations. 13 cases were reviewed. They had a mean age of 75. The most common indication was PJI, with 10 cases having this indication. The other three cases were performed for avascular necrosis, pelvic osteonecrosis secondary to radiation therapy and end stage arthritis on a background of profound learning disability in a non-ambulatory patient. The average number of previous operations was 5 (1-10). All 13 patients were still alive post girdlestone. 7 (54%) were satisfied, 6 were not. 3 patients were diabetic. 5 patients developed a sinus tract following surgery. With sufficient pre-op patient education, early intensive physiotherapy, and timely orthotic input, we feel this procedure remains an important and underrated and even compassionate option in the context of massive lysis and / or the presence of pelvic discontinuity / refractory PJI. GRA should be considered not a marker of failure but as a definitive procedure that gives predictability to patients and surgeon in challenging situations

Open tibial fractures can be difficult to manage, with a range of factors that could affect treatment and outcome. We present a large cohort of patients, and analyse which factors have significant associations with infection outcome. Elucidation will allow clinicians to strive for treatment optimisation, and patients to be advised on likely complications. Open tibia fractures treated at a major trauma centre between 2015-2021 were included. Mean age at injury was 55.4 (range 13-102). Infection status was categorized into no infection, superficial infection, and osteomyelitis. Age, mode of injury, polytrauma, fibula status, Gustilo-Anderson (GA) classification, wound contamination, time from injury to: first procedure/definitive plastics procedure/definitive fixation, type of definitive fixation, smoking and diabetic status, and BMI, were collected. Multicollinearity was calculated, with highly correlated factors removed. Multinomial logistic regression was performed. Chi Squared testing, with Post Hoc Bonferroni correction was performed for complex categorical factors. Two hundred forty-four patients with open tibial fractures were included. Forty-five developed superficial infection (18.4%), and thirty-nine developed osteomyelitis (16.0%). Polytrauma, fibula status, and type of definitive fixation were excluded from the multivariate model due to strong multicollinearity with other variables. With reference to the non-infected outcome; superficial infection patients had higher BMI (p<0.01), higher GA grade (p<0.01), osteomyelitis patients had longer time to definitive fixation (p=0.049) and time to definitive plastics procedure (p=0.013), higher GA grade (p<0.01), and positive wound contamination(p=0.015). Poc hoc analysis showed “no infection” was positively associated with GA-I (p=0.029) and GA-II (p<0.01), and negatively associated with GA-IIIC (p<0.01). Osteomyelitis was positively associated with GA-IIIc (p<0.01). This study investigated the associations between the injury and presentation factors that may affect infection outcome. The variables highlighted are the factors clinicians should give extra consideration to when treating cases, and take preventative measures to optimize treatment and mitigate infection risk

The objectives of the study were to investigate demographic, injury and surgery/treatment-associated factors that could influence clinical outcome, following Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) in a large, “real-world”, 20 year longitudinally collected clinical data set. Multilevel modelling was conducted using R and 363 ACI procedures were suitable for model inclusion. All longitudinal post-operative Lysholm scores collected after ACI treatment and before a second procedure (such as knee arthroplasty but excluding minor procedures such as arthroscopy) were included. Any patients requiring a bone graft at the time of ACI were excluded. Potential predictors of ACI outcome explored were age at the time of ACI, gender, smoker status, pre-operative Lysholm score, time from surgery, defect location, number of defects, patch type, previous operations, undergoing parallel procedure(s) at the time of ACI, cell count prior to implantation and cell passage number. The best fit model demonstrated that for every yearly increase in age at the time of surgery, Lysholm scores decreased by 0.2 at 1-year post-surgery. Additionally, for every point increase in pre-operative Lysholm score, post-operative Lysholm score at 1 year increased by 0.5. The number of cells implanted also impacted on Lysholm score at 1-year post-op with every point increase in log cell number resulting in a 5.3 lower score. In addition, those patients with a defect on the lateral femoral condyle (LFC), had on average Lysholm scores that were 6.3 points higher one year after surgery compared to medial femoral condyle (MFC) defects. Defect grade and location was shown to affect long term Lysholm scores, those with grade 3 and patella defects having on average higher scores compared to patients with grade 4 or trochlea defects. Some of the predictors identified agree with previous reports, particularly that increased age, poorer pre-operative function and worse defect grades predicted poorer outcomes. Other findings were more novel, such as that a lower cell number implanted and that LFC defects were predicted to have higher Lysholm scores at 1 year and that patella lesions are associated with improved long-term outcomes cf. trochlea lesions

Virtual physiotherapy has been provided to hundreds of patients at the Holland Centre during the COVID pandemic. As we plan for virtual care to be one part of our care delivery we want to evaluate it and ensure the care delivery is safe and effective. The objectives of this project was two-fold: 1) to examine the outcome of virtual physiotherapy and/ or a hybrid of virtual and in-person care in patients who received post-operative treatment following total knee replacement at the Holland Centre, 2) to explore the challenges of virtual care participation in the joint replacement population. Patients who received either virtual care or a combination of in-person and virtual care (hybrid model) based on the patients’ needs were included. Patient-related outcomes were the Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) and pain scale. Flexion and extension range of motion were measured before and after treatment. A modified Primary Care Patient Experience Virtual Care Survey was used to examine barriers for virtual care. Sixty patients, mean age 68(8), ranging between 45-83 years, 34(57%) females, who received either virtual care or a combination of in-person and virtual care based on the patients’ needs were included. Patients showed improvement in the PSFS and pain scores (p<0.0001). Flexion (p<0.0001) and extension (p=0.02) improved at a statistically significant level. A separate sample (N=54) (age range 50-85 years) completed the patient experience survey. A well-designed post-operative virtual physiotherapy program, initially implemented to maintain continuity of care during the pandemic, continues to be an important part of our model of care as we normalize our activities. Clear understanding of barriers to virtual care and mitigation strategies will help us create virtual care standards, meet our patient needs, optimize our care delivery and potentially increase the use of virtual rehab in the future

Introduction. Patellar tendinopathy is a highly prevalent clinical diagnosis supported by ultrasound changes. Numerous interventions are targeted at improving both symptoms and structure of dysfunctional tendons, however little is known of the diagnostic value in a changing ultrasound profile whilst patient reported outcome measures determine recovery. The aim of this study was to assess if change in ultrasound measure is congruent with change in Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment – Patella (VISA-P) score and therefore indicates the use of using ultrasound to assess patellar tendinopathy during symptom change. Method. Four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cinahl) were search in January 2014. Studies selected contained ultrasound and VISA-P scores from ≥ 2 type points. All included studies were quality assessed depending on type and available data underwent meta-analysis. Result. 10 papers of varying study type, of limited to high quality, were synthesised. Meta-analysis indicated that change in ultrasound measure was not congruent with change in VISA-P score. Conclusion. The variation in study quality, along with significant heterogeneity of ultrasound measure outcomes and reporting may influence the congruency of the data, but the association between gradual structure change and varying vascularity with pain or function is questionable throughout tendinopathy literature

Introduction. The heterogeneity of outcomes used in the field of lower limb lengthening surgery (LLLS) affects our ability to synthesize evidence. This hampers robust systematic reviews and treatment recommendations for clinical practice. Ultimately this reduces the impact of research for both patients and healthcare professionals. This scoping review aimed to describe the outcomes and outcome measurement instruments (OMIs) used within the field of LLLS. Method. A systematic literature search of WOS, Scopus, Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library identified all studies reporting outcomes in children and adults after LLLS. All outcomes and OMIs were extracted verbatim. An iterative process was used to group outcome terms under standardized outcome headings categorized using the COMET Taxonomy of Outcomes. Result. Data saturation was achieved in 2020. A total of 142 studies were included between 2024-2020, reporting 2964 verbatim outcomes with 663 standardized outcome terms collapsed into 119 outcome headings (subdomains). A total of 29 patient-reported and 26 clinician-reported outcome instruments were identified. The most commonly reported outcome was “Lengthening amount”, reported in over 72% of the included studies, while “health-related quality of life” was measured in 16% and all life impact outcomes were reported in 19% of the included studies. Conclusion. A large number of peer-reviewed publications are available, demonstrating that significant resources are being devoted to research on LLLS. However, reported outcomes for people with LLLS are heterogeneous, subject to reporting bias, and vary widely in the definitions and measurement tools used to collect them. Outcomes likely to be important to patients, such as quality of life and measures of physical function, have been neglected. This scoping review identifies a need to standardize outcomes and outcome measures reported on patients recovering from lower limb lengthening surgery; this can be addressed by creating a core set of outcomes

Introduction and Objective. Kinesiophobia, the fear of physical movement and activity related to injury vulnerability, has been linked to sub-optimal outcomes following total knee replacement (TKR). This systematic review has two aims: to define the relationship between kinesiophobia and functional outcomes, pain and range of motion following TKR, and to evaluate published treatments for kinesiophobia following TKR. Materials and Methods. A primary search was performed in March 2020. English-language studies recruiting adult primary TKR patients, using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) were included. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for cohort or case control studies, and the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool for randomised controlled trials. Results. All thirteen included papers (82 identified) showed adequately low risk of methodological bias. TSK1 (activity avoidance) correlated with WOMAC functional score at 12 months in three studies (r=0.20 p<0.05, R=0.317 p=0.001, and correlation coefficient 0.197 p=0.005). TSK score significantly correlated with mean active range of motion (ROM) at six months (105.33 (SD=12.34) vs 85.53 (SD=14.77) p=0.000) post-operation. Three post-operative interventions improved TSK score vs control following TKR: a home-based functional exercise programme (TSK −14.30 (SD=0.80) vs −2.10 (SD=0.80) p<0.001)), an outpatient CBT programme (TSK 27.76 (SD=4.56) vs 36.54 (SD=3.58), and video-based psychological treatment (TSK 24 (SD=5) vs 29 (SD=5) p<0.01). Conclusions. Kinesiophobia negatively affects functional outcomes up until one year post-operatively, while active ROM is reduced up to six months post procedure. Post-operative functional and psychological interventions can improve kinesiophobia following TKR

Obese patients show a higher incidence of tendon-related pathologies. These patients present a low inflammatory systemic environment and a higher mechanical demand which can affect the tendons. In addition, inflammation might have a role in the progression of the disease as well as in the healing process. A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases. Inclusion criteria were studies of any level of evidence published in peer-reviewed journals reporting clinical or preclinical results. Evaluated data were extracted and critically analysed. PRISMA guidelines were applied, and risk of bias was assessed, as well as the methodological quality of the included studies. We excluded all the articles with high risk of bias and/or low quality after the assessment. Due to the high heterogeneity present among the studies, a metanalysis could not be done. Thus, a descriptive analysis was performed. After applying the previously described criteria, thirty articles were included, assessed as medium or high quality. We analysed the data of 50865 subjects, 6096 of which were obese (BMI over 30 accordingly to the WHO criteria). The overall risk of re-tear after surgery is about the 10% more than normal BMI subjects. The rupture risk fluctuates in the studies without showing a significant trend. Obese subjects have a higher risk to develop tendinopathy and a worse outcome after surgery as confirmed in several human studies. The obesity influence on tendon structure and mechanical properties may rely on the fat tissue endocrine proprieties and on hormonal imbalance. Clinicians should consider obesity as a predisposing factor for the development of tendinopathies and for a higher risk of complications in patients who underwent surgical repair of tendons

After anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, reconstructive surgery with a hamstring tendon autograft is often performed. Despite overall good results, ACL re-rupture occurs in up to 10% of the patient population, increasing to 30% of the cases for patients aged under 20 years. This can be related to tissue remodelling in the first months to years after surgery, which compromises the graft's mechanical strength. Resident graft fibroblasts secrete matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which break down the collagen I extracellular matrix. After necrosis of these fibroblasts, myofibroblasts repopulate the graft, and deposit more collagen III rather than collagen I. Eventually, the cellular and matrix properties converge towards those of the native ACL, but full restoration of the ACL properties is not achieved. It is unknown how inter-patient differences in tissue remodelling capacity contribute to ACL graft rupture risk. This research measured patient-specific tissue remodelling-related properties of human hamstring tendon-derived cells in an in vitro micro-tissue platform, in order to identify potential biological predictors for graft rupture. Human hamstring tendon-derived cells were obtained from remnant autograft tissue after ACL reconstructions. These cells were seeded in collagen I gels on a micro-tissue platform to assess inter-patient cellular differences in tissue remodelling capacity. Remodelling was induced by removing the outermost micro-posts, and micro-tissue compaction over time was assessed using transmitted light microscopy. Protein expression of tendon marker tenomodulin and myofibroblast marker α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) were measured using Western blot. Expression and activity of remodelling marker MMP2 were determined using gelatin zymography. Cells were obtained from 12 patients (aged 12–51 years). Patient-specific variations in micro-tissue compaction speed or magnitude were observed. Up to 50-fold differences in αSMA expression were found between patients, although these did not correlate with faster or stronger compaction. Surprisingly, tenomodulin was only detected in samples obtained from two patients. Total MMP2 expression varied between patients, but no large differences in active fractions were found. No correlation of patient age with any of the remodelling-related factors was detected. Remodelling-related biological differences between patient tendon-derived cells could be assessed with the presented micro-tissue platform, and did not correlate with age. This demonstrates the need to compare this biological variation in vitro - especially cells with extreme properties - to clinical outcome. Sample size is currently increased, and patient outcome will be determined. Combined with results obtained from the in vitro platform, this could lead to a predictive tool to identify patients at risk for graft rupture

Objective. To analyze the short-term outcome after medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy with a 3D-printing technology in early medial keen osteoarthritis and varus malalignment. Design and Method. 32 knees(28 cases) of mOWHTO (fixation with an angular-stable TomoFix implant(Synthes)) with a 3D-printing technology combined with arhtroscopy were prospectively surveyed with regard to functional outcome(Hospital for special knee score [HSS] score). Pre- and postoperative tibial bone varus angle (TBVA), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and alignment were analyzed with regard to the result. Results. 32 knees were included (28 patients; mean age 46.5±9.3 years). The follow-up rate was 100% at 1.7±0.6 years (range, 1.2–3.2 years). Pre- and postoperative mechanical tibiofemoral axis were 6.8°±2°of varus and 1.2°± 3.4° of valgus, respectively. HSS score significantly improved from 46.0±18.3 preoperatively to 84±12 at one, 80±7 at two years (P<0.01). Conclusions. Medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy with a 3D-printing technology combined with arthroscopy in medial keen osteoarthritis and varus malalignment is an accurate and good treatment option. High preoperative TBVA and appropriate corrected angle(0–3° of valgus)) was associated with better functional outcome at final follow-up

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are widely used in the orthopaedic field to assess the impact of conservative and surgical interventions from a patient's perspective. Available instruments cover a range of outcome parameters, such as pain, function, stiffness, quality of life or joint awareness. Choice of instrument for a specific study for clinical practice should include the appraisal of the psychometric characteristics of the measure. The presentation will focus on the assessment of the psychometric characteristics of PRO instruments and provide criteria for evaluating those. The concepts of objectivity, reliability and validity will be explained in the context of PRO instrument and the interpretation of score points derived from PRO instruments will be discussed detailing concepts such as minimal important change/difference, norm data, and thresholds based on external criteria. Finally, international guidelines that define standards for the various procedures on development, validation and translation of PRO instruments will be summarised

Patient reported outcomes have become validated objective measures of success in research studies. They take time and effort to develop and administer. However, to remain relevant and universal PROMS should be gathered routinely and used to manage evidence-based change in healthcare systems. To ensure that they are adopted individual clinician involvement is key however a framework for comparison and relevance promotes engagement. Several examples will be presented of system change using PROMS and PREMS as well as using routine data to defend patient selection. How and what we present depends on whom we are expecting to influence

Abstract

Abstract

Aim. To evaluate the association of BMI and improvement in patient-reported outcomes after TKA. Methods. Knee replacement outcome data for procedures carried out over an eight month period was extracted from a regional arthroplasty register in the UK. Data was available before surgery and 12 months after. We analysed the impact of overweight on post-operative change in the Forgotten Joint Score − 12 (FJS-12) measuring joint awareness and the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) measuring pain and function using five BMI categories (A: <25, B: 25–29.9, C: 30–34.9, D: 35–39.9 and E: >40). Results. We analysed data from 431 TKA patients with a mean age of 70.1 (SD=9.2 years) and 54.5% being female. Frequency of the BMI categories in our sample were as follows: A) 15.8% with a BMI<25, B) 32.8 % with a BMI 25–29.9, C) 27.7% with a BMI 30–34.9, D) 16.5 % with a BMI 35–39.9, and E) 7.1 % with a BMI above 39.9. Data analysis showed a statistically significant association (Z= 12.10, p=0.02) of BMI with post-operative improvement in the FJS-12 from pre-surgery to 12 months: A) + 37.9 points (Cohen”s d= 1.67); B) + 40.3 points (Cohen”s d= 1.67); C) + 34.0 points (Cohen”s d= 1.54) D) + 29.7 points (Cohen”s d= 1.29) and E) + 23.5 points (Cohen”s d= 1.24). Post-operative change in OKS did not show a statistically significant association with the BMI categories (Z=1.24, p=0.872). Conclusions. Our study shows that obesity has an impact on improvement after TKA in terms of joint awareness, with overweight patients being at higher risk of less benefit from surgery. Whereas the FJS-12 showed a substantial difference in the recovery process, the postoperative improvement measured with the OKS was comparable for patients in the different BMI categories. This highlights that outcome scores may differ in their ability to capture the impact of BMI on postoperative recovery

Background. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is an effective treatment for knee arthritis. One long held principle of TKRs is positioning the components in alignment with the mechanical axis to restore the overall limb alignment to 180 ± 3 degrees. However, this view has been challenged recently. Given the high number of replacements performed, clarity on this integral aspect is necessary. Our objective was to investigate the association between malalignment and outcome (both PROMs and revision) following primary TKR. Metod. A systematic review of MEDLINE, CINHAL, and EMBASE was carried out to identify studies published from 2000 onwards. The study protocol including search strategy can be found on the PROSPERO database for systematic reviews. Results. From a total of 2107 citations, 18 studies, comprising of 2,214 patients, investigated the relationship between malalignment and PROMs. Overall 41 comparisons were made between a malalignment parameter and a PROM. Eleven comparisons (27%) demonstrated an association between malalignment and worse PROMs, with 30 comparisons (73%) demonstrating no association. Eight studies investigated the relationship between malalignment and revision. Four studies found an association between a measure of coronal alignment and revision rate, with four not demonstrating an association. Only one study examined axial and sagittal alignment and found an association with revision rates. Conclusion. When considering malalignment in an individual parameter, there is an inconsistent relationship with outcome. Malalignment may be related to worse outcome, but if that relationship exists it is weak and of dubious clinical significance. However, this evidence is subject to limitations mainly related to the methods of assessing alignment post operatively and by the possibility that the premise of traditional mechanical alignment is erroneous. Larger longitudinal studies with a standardised, timely, and robust method for assessing alignment outcomes are required. Level of evidence. 2a

Background. Acetabular fractures occur as a result of high-velocity trauma and are often associated with other life threatening injuries. Approximately one-third of these fractures are associated with dislocation of the femoral head but there are only few studies documenting the long term outcomes of this group of acetabular fracture. Methods. This was undertaken at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh which provides the definitive orthopaedic treatment for all major trauma including all acetabular fractures for the South East of Scotland. We retrospectively reviewed patients who sustained an acetabular fracture associated with a posterior hip dislocation from a prospectively gathered trauma database between 1990 to 2010. Patient characteristics, complications and the requirement for further surgery were recorded. Patient outcomes were measured using the Oxford Hip score and Short Form SF-12 health survey. Results. A total of 99 patients were treated over a 24 year period. The mean age was 41.3 years. The majority were male (75%). Road traffic accidents were the most common mechanism of injury (47%). The most common Letournal & Judet classification was a posterior wall fracture. Complications such as Sciatic Nerve Palsy was 12.1%, DVT 3%, Infection 5%, Heterotopic ossification 6.1%, Avascular necrosis at 11.1% and 19.2% went on to have a total hip replacement. The mean Oxford Score for Native hip was 34.7 and 31.8 for those who converted to hip replacement. SF12 Physical score was was 40.3 and 39 for the native hips and converted hips respectively. And the SF12 Mental score was 45.5 and 44.9 for the native hips and converted hips respectively. Conclusions. This is the first study to present the long term outcomes following an acetabular fracture dislocation. Our study suggests there is considerable disability in this group of patients and the requirement for subsequent THR has inferior patient reported outcomes. Level of Evidence. Cohort study, Level 2B

Background. There is a 20% dissatisfaction rate with knee replacements. Calls for tools that can pre-operatively identify patients at risk of being dissatisfied postoperatively have been widespread. However, it is unclear what sort of information patients would want from such a tool, how it would affect their decision making process, and at what part of the pathway such a tool should be used. Methods. Using focus groups involving 12 participants and in-depth interviews with 10 participants, we examined the effect outcome prediction has by providing fictitious predictions to patients at different stages of treatment. A qualitative analysis of themes, based on a constant comparative method, is used to analyse the data. This study was approved by the Dyfed Powys Research Ethics Committee (13/WA/0140). Results. Our results demonstrate several interesting findings. Firstly, patients who have received information from friends and family are unwilling to adjust their expectation of outcome down (i.e. to a worse outcome), but highly willing to adjust it up (to a better outcome). This is an example of the optimism bias, and suggests the effect on expectation of any poor outcome prediction would be blunted. Secondly, patients generally wanted a “bottom line” outcome, rather than lots of detail. Thirdly, patients who were earlier in their treatment for osteoarthritis were more likely to find the information useful, and for it to affect their decision, than patients later in their pathway. Conclusion. An outcome prediction tool would have most effect targeted towards people at the start of their treatment pathway, with a “bottom line” prediction of outcome. However, any effect on expectation and decision making of a poor outcome prediction is likely to be blunted by the optimism bias. Level of Evidence. 4

Increasingly more emphasis is being placed on Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). There are many used and reported in clinical studies, but there are no universally accepted or preferred measures. It is important for a researcher with a non-clinical background to understand how these assessments are performed, the type of information provided by each of the measures, and which diseases states are best reported by each measure