Correlation of visual analogue scale foot and ankle (VAS-FA) to AOFAS score in malleolar fractures using Indian...

Visual analogue scale foot and ankle (VAS-FA score) is a new score, validated in previous studies, but never compared to AOFAS score.

Analysis of the two scores using Indian language questionnaire.

Fifty patients with Malleolar fractures were assessed for functional outcome, time for calculation of scores, difficulty in correlation and comprehension of the questionnaire, in Malayalam language. The score parameters were compared by SSPSS.

There was similarity in pattern of score values in both systems but also a difference between values in each category, with VAS-FA having lower values, reflecting its efficacy. There was significant correlation, similar sensitivity and agreement between the scoring systems. VAS-FA correlated better with patient's outcome and required less time for assessment.

This study shows that Indian language VAS-FA has a similar pattern of extracting scores as AOFAS and can be an efficient tool in ankle outcome assessment in Indian patients.