Selection of appropriate outcomes instruments

Patient based outcomes research continues to grow and expand, as evidenced by recent missions by the federal government and private organizations to fund this area of study. As orthopaedic surgeons, we can improve our ability to provide the highest level of care for our patients beyond the skills and tools available to us in the operating room. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of using various patient based outcome measures can be a daunting task and could deter many orthopaedic surgeons from applying these useful tools to their practice. This article aims to summarize the importance and proper usage of the many outcomes instruments available to orthopedic surgeons.