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BACKGROUND The increased prevalence of obesity has resulted in orthopedic surgeons being likely to face many patients with a high body mass index (BMI) who warrant total hip arthroplasties (THAs) over the coming years. Studies' findings considered the postoperative clinical, and functional outcomes in these patients are controversial, and selecting the most appropriate surgical approach remains debatable. AIM To compare pain-levels, functionality, and quality-of-life in obese and nonobese osteoarthritic patients who have undergone primary total hip arthroplasty through either direct-anterior-approach (DAA) or Hardinge-approach. METHODS One hundred and twenty participants (> 50 years) were divided into four groups according to the surgical approach (DAA or Hardinge) and patients' BMI (nonobese < 30 kg/m2 vs obese ≥ 30 kg/m2). Outcomes were measured preoperatively and postoperatively (6th and 12th week). Pain was measured with Face Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R). Functionality was measured with Timed Up & Go (TUG) test and Modified Harris Hip Score-Greek version (MHHS-Gr). Quality-of-life was evaluated with the 12-item-International Hip Outcome Tool-Greek version (iHOT12-Gr) (Clinical Trial Identifier: ISRCTN15066737). RESULTS DAA vs Hardinge: (week 6) DAA-patients showed 12.2% less pain, more functionality (14.8% shorter TUG-performance time, 21.5% higher MHHS-Gr), and 38.16% better quality-of-life (iHOT12-Gr) compared to Hardinge-patients (all P values < 0.001). These differences were further increased on week 12 (all P values ≤ 0.05)]. DAA-obese vs Hardinge–obese: (week 6) DAA-obese patients had less pain, shorter TUG-performance time, better MHHS-Gr and iHOT12-Gr scores than Hardinge-obese (all P values < 0.01). (Week 12) Only the TUG-performance time of DAA-obese was significantly shortened (22.57%, P < 0.001). DAA-nonobese vs DAA-obese: no statistically significant differences were observed comparing the 6th and 12th weeks' outcomes. CONCLUSION DAA-groups reported less pain, more functionality and better quality-of-life, compared to the Hardinge-groups. The DAA benefited obese and nonobese patients, similarly yet faster, suggesting that it should be the more preferred choice for obese patients, instead of Hardinge. However, more comparative studies with more extended follow-up periods are needed to confirm our results and better evaluate all patients' long-term outcomes.

The aim of this research (Motor control Home ergonomics Elderlies' Prevention of falls; McHeELP study) was to develop a novel intervention combining motor control home-based exercises and a home ergonomic safety-improvement strategy in order to reduce falls in frail ambulatory older adults. A randomized controlled trial of a novel intervention is proposed including motor control exercises and home ergonomic assessment and modification in older adults who have at least one fall experience. Participants are randomized to control or intervention group in a 1:1 ratio. Participants will be assessed three times: at baseline, at 3rd month (end of intervention period) and again at 6th month (follow-up measurement). The primary outcome is of the effect on functional mobility using the Timed Up and Go test. Secondary outcomes include assessments of functionality, fear of falling and quality of life. This will be the first study to develop an exercise intervention approach that combines home-based motor control exercise intervention with home assessment and modification. This study is expected to explore a low-cost, easy-to-popularize, and effective exercise intervention approach for improving functional mobility and prevent falls among older adults.

The most common sports activities leading to menisci injuries are tennis, jogging, gymnastics, and dancing. Menisci injuries in dancers most frequently occur due to rotational forces applied to the...

Q-angle represents the resultant force vector of the quadriceps and patellar tendons acting on the patella. An increased Q-angle has been considered a risk factor for many disorders and injuries. This literature review challenges the clinical value of static Q-angle and recommends a more dynamic movement evaluation for making clinical decisions. Although there are many articles about static Q-angle, few have assessed the value of dynamic Q-angle. We searched Scopus and PubMed (until September 2021) to identify and summarize English-language articles evaluating static and dynamic Q-angle, including articles for dynamic knee valgus (DKV) and frontal plane projection angle. We also used textbooks and articles from references to related articles. Although static Q-angle measurement is used systematically in clinical practice for critical clinical decisions, its interpretation and clinical translation present fundamental and intractable limitations. To date, it is acceptable that mechanisms that cause patellofemoral pain and athletic injuries have a stronger correlation with dynamic loading conditions. Dynamic Q-angle has the following three dynamic elements: frontal plane (hip adduction, knee abduction), transverse plane (hip internal rotation and tibia external rotation), and patella behavior. Measuring one out of three elements (frontal plane) illustrates only one-third of this concept. Static Q-angle lacks biomechanical meaning and utility for dynamic activities. Although DKV is accompanied by hip and tibia rotation, it remains a frontal plane measurement, which provides no information about the transverse plane and patella movement. However, given the acceptable reliability and the better differentiation capability, DKV assessment is recommended in clinical practice.

Background: The recurrence rate of lumbar spine microdiscectomies (rLSMs) is estimated to be 5–15%. Lumbar spine flexion (LSF) of more than 10° is mentioned as the most harmful load to the intervertebral disc that could lead to recurrence during the first six postoperative weeks. The purpose of this study is to quantify LSFs, following LSM, at the period of six weeks postoperatively. Methods: LSFs were recorded during the daily activities of 69 subjects for 24 h twice per week, using Inertial Measurement Units (IMU). Results: The mean number of more than 10 degrees of LSFs per hour were: 41.3/h during the 1st postoperative week (P.W.) (29.9% healthy subjects-H.S.), 2nd P.W. 60.1/h (43.5% H.S.), 3rd P.W. 74.2/h (53.7% H.S.), 4th P.W. 82.9/h (60% H.S.), 5th P.W. 97.3/h (70.4% H.S.) and 6th P.W. 105.5/h (76.4% H.S.). Conclusions: LSFs constitute important risk factors for rLDH. Our study records the lumbar spine kinematic pattern of such patients for the first time during their daily activities. Patients’ data report less sagittal plane movements than healthy subjects. In vitro studies should be carried out, replicating our results to identify if such a kinematic pattern could cause rLDH. Furthermore, IMU biofeedback capabilities could protect patients from such harmful movements.

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an additional close-kinetic-chain exercise program (CKC-PT), in conjunction with the standard physiotherapy intervention (TKA-PT), on the general health status, functionality, balance confidence, and postoperative falls of knee osteoarthritic patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Patients and methods Thirty community-dwellers, aged >65 years, were randomized into equal groups. The Greek versions of the SF-36 version1.0 (SF-36v1.0-Gr), WOMAC® (WOMAC®-Gr), Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC-Greek), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Berg Balance Scale were assessed preoperatively and twice postoperatively (7th week and 12th month). Non-parametric (Mann-Whitney test) and parametric (two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) model and student t-test) analyses were used to compare the percentage changes in all variables. Results The CKC-PT group reported better (%) functional improvement (WOMAC®-Gr Physical­ Function subscale) and higher (%) balance confidence (ABS-Greek) at the seventh week and twelfth month as compared to TKA-PT (p

Ο στόχος της παρούσας διπλής-τυφλής, στρωματοποιημένης, τυχαιοποιημένης κλινικής μελέτης ήταν η σύγκριση της επίδρασης δύο προγραμμάτων φυσικοθεραπευτικής παρέμβασης στην μετεγχειρητική εξέλιξη της λειτουργικότητας των απαγωγών μυών και στην συνολική λειτουργική ικανότητα ασθενών, οι οποίοι λόγω υποκεφαλικού κατάγματος του μηριαίου οστού, είχαν υποβληθεί, με διαγλουτιαία προσπέλαση, σε ημιολική αρθροπλαστική ισχίου. Οι ενενήντα-έξι συμμετέχοντες χωρίστηκαν σε δύο ομάδες (48 ανά ομάδα) εκ των οποίων, η ομάδα ελέγχου ακολουθούσε το κλασσικό πρόγραμμα αποκατάστασης, ενώ η ερευνητική ομάδα ακολούθησε το προτεινόμενο πρόγραμμα φυσικοθεραπευτικής παρέμβασης, το οποίο στόχευε στην προοδευτική ενδυνάμωση των απαγωγών μυών. Η εφαρμογή των δύο φυσικοθεραπευτικών προγραμμάτων διήρκησε δώδεκα εβδομάδες, αρχής γενομένης από την δεύτερη μετεγχειρητική ημέρα. Οι μετεγχειρητικές μετρήσεις πραγματοποιήθηκαν στο τέλος του τρίτου μήνα -μετά το τέλος της παρέμβασης- και ξανά στο τέλος του έκτου μήνα (μέτρηση παρακολούθησης). Η ισομετρική δύναμη των απαγωγών μυών αξιολογήθηκε με δυναμόμετρο χειρός και η μετεγχειρητική λειτουργική ικανότητα των ασθενών αξιολογήθηκε με την αντικειμενική δοκιμασία TUG και με την κλίμακα λειτουργικότητας LEFS-Greek. Με βάση τα αποτελέσματα της παρούσας μελέτης φάνηκε, ότι το προτεινόμενο φυσικοθεραπευτικό πρόγραμμα, το οποίο στόχευε στην ενδυνάμωση των απαγωγών μυών, είχε σαν αποτέλεσμα την επίτευξη μεγαλύτερης απόλυτης τιμής της ισομετρικής δύναμης των απαγωγών μυών του καταγματικού μέλους και λιγότερο έλλειμμα δύναμης -όπως προκύπτει από το ratio της ισομετρικής δύναμης μεταξύ καταγματικού και ετερόπλευρου μέλους και την επίτευξη καλύτερου λειτουργικού επιπέδου -όπως αξιολογήθηκε με την κλινική δοκιμασία TUG και με το αυτοσυμπληρούμενο ερωτηματολόγιο της κλίμακας LEFS-Greek. Συμπερασματικά, το προτεινόμενο φυσικοθεραπευτικό πρόγραμμα προσφέρει δυνατότητα ταχύτερης και βελτιωμένης λειτουργικής αποκατάστασης σε σχέση με το κλασσικό μετεγχειρητικό πρόγραμμα σε ασθενείς με κάταγμα ισχίου. (Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN30713542)

Objectives Physical exercise is a key intervention for improving functional ability and preventing falls in older people. However, the implemented interventions targeted balance, gait, and muscle strength, while little is known regarding motor control exercises in this population. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week home-based motor control exercise program combined with an ergonomic home modification (the McHeELP program). Patients and methods Fifty-two older people (aged ≥65 years), who had experienced at least one fall incident in the past 12 months, were randomly assigned into two groups; the McHeELP group (McHeELP-G) (n=26) that received the McHeELP program and the control group (CG) (n=26). Physical performance measures (PPMs) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were used to evaluate participants. At baseline, 3rd month (post-intervention), and again at 6th month (follow up), balance control was assessed using the Tandem stance test (Tandem) and the Functional Reach Test (FRT). Functionality was assessed by the 4 meters walking test (4MWT), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, 30 seconds-Sit to stand test and the Greek version of Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS-Greek). The Greek version of the Falls Self-efficacy International scale (FES-I_GREEK) was used for the evaluation of "fear-of-falling" (FOF). The home falls and accidents screening tool (HOMEFAST) is used to identify home hazards. Two-way mixed ANOVA model, independent samples t-test, One-factor Repeated Measures ANOVA model and ANCOVA model were used for the statistical analysis of the data. Results Homogeneity was found between McHeELP-G and CG regarding the demographic and clinical characteristics, and no statistically significant difference was found at baseline measurements of PROs and PPMs, except HOMEFAST (p=0.031). Post-intervention (3rd month), the comparison of the absolute values between groups revealed that the McHeELP-G achieved statistically significant better balance control (longer Tandem stance test and higher values of FRT), better functionality [faster gait speed (4MWT), shorter TUG performance time, and a higher number of repetitions at 30 seconds-Sit to stand] (all p-values

Background: Hip fractures are common in the elderly and many patients fail to regain prefracture hip abductor strength or functional status. The purpose of this clinical trial was to compare the effects of an intensive abductor muscle exercise program versus a standard physiotherapy intervention in hip-fractured patients. Materials and Methods: Ninety six femoral neck-fractured patients were randomized into equal-sized groups. A 12-week standard physiotherapy program was implemented in the control group(S-PT) whereas an intensive exercise program, emphasizing on abductors’ strengthening, was implemented in the research group(I-PT). Abductors’ isometric strength of the fractured hip, abductor ratio% in the fractured compared to contralateral hip, and functional level were assessed at the 3rd (postintervention) and 6th (followup) months. Results: Postintervention, abductors’ isometric strength was 35.7% greater (P < 0.0005) and abductor ratio% was 2.5% higher (P < 0.0005) in I-PT group, compared to S-PT group. With regard to functional assessments, I-PT group was 29.1% faster during Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and achieved a 26.7% higher Lower Extremity Functional Scale Greek version's (LEFS-Greek) total score, compared to S-PT group (P < 0.0005). At followup, abductors’ isometric strength was 37.0% greater (P < 0.0005) and abductor ratio% was 7.1% higher (P < 0.0005) in I-PT group, compared to S-PT group. In addition, I-PT group was 45.9% faster during TUG test (P < 0.0005) and achieved an 11.2% higher LEFS-Greek total score, compared to S-PT group (P = 0.013). Conclusions: Compared to the standard physiotherapy intervention, the intensive abductor-strengthening program significantly increased both abductors’ isometric strength of the fractured hip and abductor ratio% and resulted in patients’ enhanced functional level. Clinical Trial Identifier: ISRCTN30713542.

Objectives Falls are a serious problem that can reduce living autonomy and health-related quality of life of older adults. A decrease in the muscular strength of the lower limbs and the deterioration of balance or motor performance deficits may lead to falls. "Motor Control Home Ergonomics Elderlies' Prevention of Falls" (McHeELP) is a novel motor control exercise program combined with ergonomic arrangements of the home environment. This pilot trial is conducted in order to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the McHeELP program, the selection of the most appropriate outcome measures, and the exact sample size calculation that should be used for the randomized controlled trial (RCT) with Clinical Trial Identifier: ISRCTN15936467. Patients and methods Twenty older adults (aged ≥65 years) who had experienced at least one fall-incident in the past 12 months have participated in the trial; they were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the McHeELP group (McHeELP-G) and the Control group (CG). The McHeELP-G received a personalized therapeutic motor control and learning exercise program performed three times per week for 12 weeks. Regarding McHeELP - home modification, a booklet that contained basic advice and tips on the modification for their inside and outside home environment was provided to the participants. Objective and self-reported outcome measures, collected at baseline and post-intervention (end of the third month), included functional, fear of falling, and quality of life measurements. Results The McHeELP intervention was very feasible and acceptable to the participants, and the adherence was excellent (100%). The majority of outcome measures seemed appropriate and significant differences were also revealed between the two groups. Specifically, post-intervention statistically significant improvement was found in the 4 meters walking test, Timed Up and Go test, Sit to Stand test, Tandem Stance test, Functional Reach test, Foot tapping test, EuroQoL-5D-5L - visual analog scale (VAS), Lower Extremity Functional Scale, Falls Self-Efficacy International Scale, and Home Falls and Accidents Screening Tool (HOMEFAST) questionnaire of McHeELP-G (all p-values ≤0.002). No statistically significant difference was observed in the mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort subscales of Euro QoL-5D-5L (all p-values >0.05), except the anxiety/depression subscale of McHeELP-G (p=0.008). Moreover, no statistically significant improvement was found regarding McHeELP participants' knee flexion/extension restriction and ankle dorsiflexion/plantar-flexion restrictions. Regarding CG, no statistically significant difference was found (p>0.05), except the Tandem Stance test (p=0.003) and HOMEFAST (p

Objectives While open reduction and internal fixation is considered the gold standard for the treatment of acetabular fractures, it is associated with significant complications due to prolonged immobilization for elderly patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes in elderly patients treated with an acute total hip arthroplasty (THA). Patients and methods This retrospective study included 16 patients (10 women and 6 men) with a mean age of 80.1 years suffering from a displaced acetabular fracture after a low-energy trauma. Primary THA was performed in all cases, by the same surgeon, within a three-week period after the fracture. The Burch-Schneider reinforcement ring with a cemented cup was used in 10 patients and a jumbo acetabular cup was used in 6 patients, whereas autologous bone graft was used in all cases. Results With a mean follow-up of 72 months, one dislocation occurred that was treated with close reduction, and one patient developed superficial site infection that was managed conservatively with antibiotics. No periprosthetic fractures, deep infections, or other adverse events were observed. One case of asymptomatic radiographic loosening was reported and treated conservatively. And autologous bone graft was well incorporated. Clinical scores were significantly improved, and all patients were able to walk independently. Conclusions Acute THA for the treatment of displaced acetabular fractures in elderly patients seems to be a safe option with good functional and radiological outcomes and low complication rates, offering early mobilization and weight-bearing ability to elderly patients.

Background The 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT12) is a patient-reported outcome (PRO) designed to evaluate quality of life. We assessed the psychometric properties of the Greek version (iHOT12-Gr) in hip osteoarthritic patients. Methods Data from 124 patients aged > 50 years were used for factor analysis. Reliability evaluation included internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and interpretability. Content validity was examined by calculating the item-level content validity indices (I-CVI) and the scale-level content validity indices (S-CVI), using two methods: S-CVI Average (S-CVI/Ave), and the S-CVI Universal Agreement among experts (S-CVI/UA). Construct validity was tested against Greek versions of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS-Greek), Modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS-Gr), and the 30 s chair-to-stand, Timed Up & Go (TUG), and 9-stairs-ascend/descend (9S-A/D) tests. Known-groups validity was examined using LEFS-Greek (cut-off = 53 points) as estimate variable. Responsiveness was examined pre and post total hip arthroplasty (4 and 8 weeks). Results Factor analysis revealed a two-factor model. Factor-1 (items 1–9) reflects “Symptoms and functionality”, while Factor-2 (items 10–12) reflects “Hip disorder-related concerns”. Reliability: Internal consistency and test-retest reliability of iHOT12-Gr-total were excellent: Cronbach’s alpha > 0.92 and ICC(95% CI) > 0.976(0.96–0.99)(p Interpretability: There was no floor or ceiling effect; measurement error: 3.72 (Factor-1), 3.64 (Factor-2), and 3.22 (iHOT12-Gr-total); minimal detectable change: 10.3 (Factor-1), 10.1 (Factor-2), and 8.92 (iHOT12-Gr-total). Validity: Content validity: The I-CVI value of the 12 items ranged from 1.00 to 0.83, the S-CVI/Ave was 0.97 and the S-CVI/UA was 0.83. Construct validity: iHOT12-Gr correlated strongly with both LEFS-Greek and MHHS-Gr, and weakly but significantly with 30s chair-to-stand, TUG and 9S-A/D (p p p Responsiveness: Four and 8 weeks postoperatively, standardized response means of Factor-1, Factor-2, and iHOT12-Gr-total were > 0.8. Conclusion iHOT12-Gr showed excellent reliability properties. The content validity was excellent and significant weak-to-strong correlations were found regarding construct validity. The known-group validity was also significant, while the responsiveness was excellent. iHOT12-Gr could be a reliable and valid PRO for assessing quality of life in patients with hip osteoarthritis.

Introduction: This study explored the psychometric properties of the modified Harris Hip Score-Greek version (mHHS-Gr) as a patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure in osteoarthritic hip patients. Methods: Internal consistency, test-retest reliability and reproducibility were evaluated in 90 patients aged >55 years. Construct validity was tested against Greek versions of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS-Greek) and WOMAC Index (WOMAC-Gr), and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and 9-stairs-ascend/descend (9S-A/D) tests. Known-groups validity was examined using TUG score (cut-off 13.5 s) as an estimate variable. Responsiveness was examined before and 4 weeks after direct anterior minimal invasive surgery. Results: Reliability: Internal consistency was moderate (Cronbach’s a = 0.614, p 13.5 seconds ( p Discussion: mHHS-Gr showed significant moderate to excellent reliability, significant moderate to strong validity properties and excellent responsiveness. Overall, mHHS-Gr could be a reliable and valid PRO measure for assessing patients with osteoarthritis of the hip.

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is an effective treatment for severe hip arthritis, with patients reporting high rates of satisfactory results postoperatively. There are a variety of choices regarding THA implant designs. Ceramic on Ceramic and Ceramic on Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) THAs are the materials of choice nowadays. The purpose of this study is to review the effect of kinematics and kinetics on wear (in vivo and in vitro testing) that affect wear in Ceramic on Ceramic and Ceramic on XLPE total hip arthroplasties and identify possible advantages amongst them. The study hypothesis was that THA kinematics and/or kinetics, since they directly affect THA wear, could provide data for possible advantages between the examined implant designs. A systematic review of the literature identified no significant evidence for biomechanical advantages between these two prostheses in terms of wear. Further research is proposed with the use of gait analysis systems combined with surface electromyography to further investigate THA biomechanics at a laboratory set up. Wearable sensors technology could also identify detailed biomechanical parameters in more complex daily activities.

Objectives: To explore associations between abductor strength and functionality in hip-fracture patients. Methods: Ninety-six participants (70-84 years) followed a 12-week physiotherapy programme emphasizing hip abductor strengthening. The abductor’s isometric strength, the hip strength asymmetry (HSA), expressing the ratio of abductor strength in the fractured versus the contralateral hip, and the patients’ functional level were recorded 3 months post-intervention. Functionality was assessed using the Timed Up & Go (TUG) test and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS-Greek). Results: Abductor isometric strength and HSA were correlated negatively with TUG test (Pearson’s r: -0.881 and -0.810, respectively; p

Background and objective: In recent years, there has been growing interest in the minimally invasive surgical techniques used for the performance of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Among these, direct anterior approach–minimally invasive surgery (DAA-MIS) has generated scientific interest because of its soft-tissue–preserving nature. Data from studies involving obese patients in relation to minimally invasive techniques such as DAA-MIS are controversial, while further comparative studies are needed between nonobese and obese patients. The aim of this study was to compare pain levels, functionality and quality of life between obese and nonobese hip osteoarthritic patients who underwent THA via DAA-MIS. Subjects and methods: This nonrandomized study included 60 patients aged > 50 years. Patients were divided into two equal groups according to their body mass index ( Results: Six weeks after DAA-MIS, both obese and nonobese patients had significantly less pain (Face Pain Scale-Revised), higher functionality (Timed Up & Go test and modified Harris Hip Score-Greek version) and better quality of life (12-item International Hip Outcome Tool–Greek version), compared to preoperative measurements (P 0.05). Conclusion: Both obese and nonobese patients benefited from the DAA-MIS procedure. The obesity should not be considered as a contraindication to DAA-MIS in patients undergoing THA. Trial registration: This study analyzes part of data collected for an ongoing larger trial [World Health Organization’s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ISRCTN15066737)].

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate structural and validity properties of the Greek version of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS-Greek) in elderly individuals. Furthermore, to explore the ability of Timed Up & Go (TUG) test as an additional validation criterion. Methods Two hundred and two individuals were randomly selected from a large cohort of community-dwelling elderly people with lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders. The structural properties of LEFS-Greek were examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The concurrent validity of the instrument was tested against the subscales of the physical functioning and role physical SF-36 ® Health Survey-Greek version and the TUG test. Known-groups validity was examined to assess questionnaire's ability to discriminate participants into subgroups according to their use of a cane. The cut-off points of the LEFS-Greek were obtained by ROC analysis using the TUG test as external criterion. Results Factor analysis demonstrated that the scale has a single-factor structure. LEFS-Greek was strongly correlated with SF36-PF, SF36-RP and TUG test (0.93, 0.62, and −0.72, respectively; P P P Conclusion LEFS-Greek is a valid assessment tool that can be used to measure functional ability in individuals with lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders. This is the first study in which specific cut-off points were determined.

This observational study aimed to examine the clinimetric properties of the Greek for Greece translation of the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC(®)). One hundred and twenty-three patients with knee osteoarthritis (mean age 69.5 years) participated in the study. An extensive reliability study was carried out to assess WOMAC's internal consistency and repeatability (8-day interval). In addition, we examined the construct (convergent, nomological and known-groups) and criterion-related (concurrent and predictive) validity of the index against both self-report [SF-36 and combined visual analog/faces pain scale-revised (VAS/FPS-R)] and physical performance measures [timed up and go test (TUG)]. The internal consistency of the WOMAC subscales ranged from high (0.804) to excellent (0.956). Intra-class correlation coefficients for test-retest reliability were excellent, ranging from 0.91 to 0.95. Partial correlation analysis, adjusted for age and use of an assistive device, showed that WOMAC scores were significantly associated with all validation criteria, presenting fair to strong (-0.33 to -0.86) correlation coefficients. WOMAC-function was strongly associated with SF36-function (-0.86) and TUG (0.71), WOMAC-pain to VAS/FPS-R (0.71) and SF36-pain (-0.67). Of all WOMAC outcomes, stiffness subscale had the lowest, though still significant, correlations with all validation criteria. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that WOMAC-function was a significant factor for TUG, WOMAC-pain for VAS/FPS-R and both for SF36-function and SF36-pain. The WOMAC LK3.1 Greek for Greece Index is a reliable and valid assessment tool for the evaluation of individuals with knee osteoarthritis, showing excellent reliability and significant validity properties.