There’s no specific test that can help you decide whether to have knee replacement surgery or not.
However, it’s useful to have some way of measuring and explaining your pain levels and how well your knee is working.
This way, you and your doctor can assess whether a knee replacement or other treatment is right for you.
Some people find questionnaires help them understand and explain what they’re experiencing.
Researchers who wanted to help doctors understand how people perceive their pain and loss of functionality prepared the following questions,
For each question, rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 5. The total may help you and your doctor decide whether a knee replacement is a suitable option for you.
1. Overall level of pain
How would you describe your overall pain level?
| 1 | Slight pain and/or no trouble |
| 2 | Slight pain and/or little trouble |
| 3 | Moderate pain and/or moderate trouble |
| 4 | Serious pain and/or extreme difficulty |
| 5 | Severe pain and/or impossible |
2. Pain and difficulty bathing
How difficult is it for you to bathe and dry yourself?
| 1 | Slight pain and/or no trouble |
| 2 | Slight pain and/or little trouble |
| 3 | Moderate pain and/or moderate trouble |
| 4 | Serious pain and/or extreme difficulty |
| 5 | Severe pain and/or impossible |
3. Using transportation
How much pain and difficulty do you experience when getting in and out of a car, operating a vehicle, or using public transportation?
| 1 | Slight pain and/or no trouble |
| 2 | Slight pain and/or little trouble |
| 3 | Moderate pain and/or moderate trouble |
| 4 | Serious pain and/or extreme difficulty |
| 5 | Severe pain and/or impossible |
4. Walking capacity
How long can you walk, with or without a cane, before experiencing severe knee pain?
| 1 | Longer than 30 minutes |
| 2 | 16–30 minutes |
| 3 | 5–15 minutes |
| 4 | Less than 5 minutes |
| 5 | Can’t walk without severe pain |
5. Standing up
After sitting in a chair or at a table and then getting up to stand, what level of pain do you experience?
| 1 | Slight pain and/or no trouble |
| 2 | Slight pain and/or little trouble |
| 3 | Moderate pain and/or moderate trouble |
| 4 | Serious pain and/or extreme difficulty |
| 5 | Severe pain and/or impossible |
6. Pain while walking
Does the pain in your knee cause you to limp while walking?
| 1 | Rarely or never |
| 2 | Occasionally or only when first starting to walk |
| 3 | Frequently |
| 4 | Most of the time |
| 5 | Always |
7. Kneeling down
Are you able to kneel down and get back up easily afterward?
| 1 | Yes, without any problem |
| 2 | Yes, with slight difficulty |
| 3 | Yes, with moderate difficulty |
| 4 | Yes, with extreme difficulty |
| 5 | Not possible |
8. Sleep
Does your knee pain interfere with sleep?
| 1 | Never |
| 2 | Once in a while |
| 3 | Some nights |
| 4 | Most nights |
| 5 | Every night |
Click here for some tips on easing knee pain while sleeping.
9. Work and housework
Are you able to work and do housework?
| 1 | Yes, with minimal or no problem |
| 2 | Yes, most of the time |
| 3 | Yes, fairly often |
| 4 | Sometimes |
| 5 | Rarely or never |
10. Knee stability
Does your knee ever feel as though it’s going to give way?
| 1 | Not at all |
| 2 | Occasionally |
| 3 | Fairly often |
| 4 | Most of the time |
| 5 | All of the time |
11. Household shopping
Are you able to do household shopping?
| 1 | Yes, with minimal or no problem |
| 2 | Yes, most of the time |
| 3 | Yes, fairly often |
| 4 | Sometimes |
| 5 | Rarely or never |
12. Managing stairs
Are you able to walk down a flight of stairs?
| 1 | Yes, with minimal or no problem |
| 2 | Yes, most of the time |
| 3 | Yes, fairly often |
| 4 | Sometimes |
| 5 | Rarely or never |
Score
Final Score = ______________ (Add your score from above.)
- 54 or higher: indicates that your condition is fairly severe
- 43 to 53: indicates that you have a moderate problem
- 30 to 42: indicates some problem or inhibited function
- 18 to 29: indicates that your condition is relatively mild
- 17 or lower: indicates that you have little to no knee problems
There’s no specific test that can decide whether you have a knee replacement. Factors will vary between individuals.
Questionnaires and other tools can help you understand how well your knee is working. They may also make it easier to explain your condition to your doctor.
Ultimately, you and your doctor will work together to find the best solution for you.