Editorial Commentary: The Forgotten Joint Score-Don't Compare Apples to Oranges.

Abstract

Patient outcomes have become focused on satisfaction with the end result. It is now appreciated that objective measurements are not the sole criterion for a successful surgical procedure. With the transition to evaluating patient-reported outcome measures, additional scoring techniques are being used to determine the best method for defining surgical success. The Forgotten Joint Score asks the simple question, "Are you aware of the joint that had surgery?" Essentially, does the patient have any sense that there has been surgery on the limb or joint? Although it has been validated as a reliable testing technique in specific surgical procedures, it has not been validated as a method of comparing 2 dissimilar surgical procedures. One must be selective and careful when using scoring methods. There are no data or validation to support the use of patient perception of the joint on surgical procedures that are divergent in their approach. Patient-reported outcomes such as the Forgotten Joint Score should not be used to compare procedures that are dissimilar in technique.