Editorial Commentary: Clinically Important Outcome Values (Thresholds) Are Specific to the Patient Population Studied.

Abstract

Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures are critical toward understanding the influence and benefits of orthopedic surgery. While clinically important outcome values (CIOVs) have been developed to allow clinical interpretation of PRO values, gaps in outcome metrics still remain. The CIOVs can be used to describe specific populations of interest, such as in patients with hip dysplasia undergoing combined hip arthroscopy and periacetabular osteotomy. With differing populations, however, the presence and/or absence of modifying factors limits cross-comparison of CIOVs. Using a different perspective, such as the use of simple questions that are important for both the patient and the surgeon, can provide important information that helps fill in the gaps left from traditional PROs.