Measuring changes in quality of life following magnetic resonance imaging of the knee: SF-36, EuroQol or Rosser index?

Abstract

Evidence suggests that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows accurate diagnosis of meniscal and ligamentous injuries of the knee. However the link between improved diagnosis through MRI and improved patient quality of life (QOL) has yet to be shown. Previous studies aimed at establishing this link have found no significant improvements in health related quality of life (HRQOL) as measured by the Rosser classification and index. This paper presents the results of three HRQOL questionnaires (SF-36, Rosser and EuroQol) used to measure health change in 332 patients referred for MRI of the knee. Before imaging, patients reported poorer HRQOL than the general population on two of the three questionnaires (SF-36 and EuroQol). The same two questionnaires recorded significant improvements in patient health at six months, although patients' health had not yet reached that experienced in the general population. There was evidence to suggest that the index values attached to the Rosser classification made it unresponsive in this group of patients, which may have predisposed the null results of previous studies of the influence of MRI on HRQOL. Some evidence is provided to suggest that the EurolQol may be less responsive in assessing change in health status than the SF-36.