The Oxford knee score and (and Oxford Hip Score) is a self-administered way of estimating the need for surgery. It is used in conjunction with other information to help a patient make a sensible decision as whether to proceed to surgery or not.  It is NOT a black and white answer but more of a guide. It can also be used to show change in a patients situation- deteriorating if the arthritis is getting worse, improving, say after treatment.

It is most useful in research, to show trends and compare like with like for assessing treatments.

Calculate your Oxford Knee Score
Answer answer the following 12  questions

  for symptoms in the last 4 weeks....

1. How would you describe the pain you usually have in your knee?
None
Very mild
Mild
Moderate
Severe

2. Have you had any trouble washing and drying yourself (all over)    because of your knee?
No trouble at all
Very little trouble
Moderate trouble
Extreme difficulty 
Impossible to do

3.  Have you had any trouble getting in and out of the car or using public transport because of your knee? (With or without a stick)  
No trouble at all 
Very little trouble 
Moderate trouble 
Extreme difficulty 
Impossible to do 

4. For how long are you able to walk before the pain in your knee becomes severe? (With or without a stick)
No pain > 60 min
16 - 60 minutes
5 - 15 minutes
Around the house only
Not at all - severe on walking

5. After a meal (sat at a table), how painful has it been for you to stand up from a chair because of your knee?
Not at all painful
Slightly painful
Moderately pain
Very painful
Unbearable

6. Have you been limping when walking, because of your knee?
Rarely / never
Sometimes or just at first
Often, not just at first
Most of the time
All of the time

7. Could you kneel down and get up again afterw
Yes, easily
With little difficulty
With moderate difficulty
With extreme difficulty
No, impossible

8. Are you troubled by pain in your knee at night in bed?
Not at all
Only one or two nights
Some nights
Most nights
Every night

9. How much has pain from your knee interfered with your usual work? (including housework)
Not at all
A little bit
Moderately
Greatly 
Totally

10. Have you felt that your knee might suddenly give way or let you down? 
Rarely / Never
Sometimes or just at first 
Often, not at first
Most of the time
All the time

11. Could you do household shopping on your own?
Yes, easily
With little difficulty
With moderate difficulty
With extreme difficulty
No, impossible

12. Could you walk down a flight of stairs?
Yes, easily
With little difficulty
With moderate difficulty
With extreme difficulty
No, impossible

Your  Oxford Knee Score is:

Grading for the Oxford Knee Score

0 -19
May indicate severe knee arthritis. It is highly likely that you may well require some form of surgical intervention, contact your family doctor for a consult with an Orthopaedic Surgeon.
20 - 29

May indicate moderate to severe knee arthritis. See your family doctor for an assessment and x-ray. Consider a consult with an Orthopaedic Surgeon.
30 - 39

May indicate mild to moderate knee arthritis. Consider seeing your family doctor for an assessment and possible x-ray. You may benefit from non-surgical treatment, such as exercise, weight loss, and /or anti-inflammatory medication
40 - 48

May indicate satisfactory joint function. May not require any formal treatment.